WHEELING, W.Va. – Second-seeded Shepherd University (23-10) dropped a 3-1 decision (18-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-21) to third-seeded Charleston (18-16) (28-26, 25-16, 25-15) in MEC Volleyball Tournament semifinal action at Wheeling Jesuit on Friday evening.

Junior outside hitter Peyton Lindblad (Spotsylvania, Va./Riverbend) led the Rams with 16 kills. Sophomore middle hitter Nicole Murray (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) added 11, while junior outside hitter Cambriea Hill (Columbia, Md./Hammond) had eight.

Senior setter Becca Kern (Martinsburg, W.Va./Musselman) contributed 42 assists and 11 digs, while junior libero Imani Major (Gainesville, Va./Millbrook) posted match highs of 22 digs and six aces.

Tori Clark had 15 kills and Carly Granger added 14 to lead the Golden Eagles. Katey Matusic had 18 digs.

Charleston advances to face the winner of tonight's West Liberty-Wheeling Jesuit match in the finals on Saturday. The Rams await word on a possible regional appearance next week. The 2018 NCAA II Women's Volleyball Championship Selection Show is scheduled for Nov. 11 at 10 p.m.