Box Score WHEELING, W.Va. – Fifth-seeded Shepherd University rallied past fourth-seeded UVa-Wise for a five-set victory in quarterfinal action in MEC Volleyball Tournament at Wheeling Jesuit on Thursday night. The Rams recorded a 27-25 23-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-11 victory.

Shepherd improves to 16-16, while UVa-Wise falls to 15-17.

Freshman middle blocker Sophie Foster (Martinsburg, W.Va./Martinsburg) and junior outside hitter/right side
Grace Simmons (Centreville, Va./Centreville/Fairfield) each had 13 kills to lead the Rams. Foster added 10 blocks (two solo), while Simmons had four.

Senior outside hitter/libero Samantha Scroggins (Plainfield, Ill./Naperville North/Kishwaukee) had 10 kills and 14 digs. Freshmen setter Cyera Dixon (Rushville, Ohio/Fairfield Union) recorded 49 assists and 17 digs.

Sophomore libero/defensive specialist Kelsey Anderson (Leesburg, Va./Loudoun County) contributed 13 digs and freshman defensive specialist Allison Crumling (York, Pa./Eastern York) added 11.

Karley Allen had 25 kills and 23 digs to lead the Cavaliers. Amanda Auxier added 16 kills.

Shepherd rallied from a 7-3 deficit in the fifth set to gain the win. Simmons had three kills and Foster added two in the final set.

The Rams advance to semifinal round of the MEC Tournament on Friday at 7:30 p.m. when they face  Wheeling Jesuit.