CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gannon and Charleston were two of the premier volleyball teams in the Atlantic Region in 2022. The Golden Knights edged the Golden Eagles 3-2 in the Atlantic Regional semifinals and went on to win the region title.

The two teams could be on another collision course in the postseason this year if Friday's showdown at the University of Charleston Invitational is any indication.

In a back-and-forth match, Gannon pulled out a 3-2 win by scores of 21-25, 25-23, 25-11, 12-25, 15-8 in front of a boisterous crowd at UC's Wehrle Innovation Center.

Gannon improved to 3-2 on the season after going 2-0 on Friday. Earlier in the day, GU beat Fayetteville State 3-1.

"Today we faced a pair of tough regional opponents, and we're glad to come out with two wins," Gannon coach Matt Darling said. "In the Charleston match, especially, you could tell that both teams are still trying to find the right formula for success, so the play was very uneven at times. But I'm proud of the team for our resilience and for playing our best in the fifth set. Hopefully we'll be sharp tomorrow."

Match 2

Final score: Gannon 3, Charleston 2 (21-25, 25-23, 25-11, 12-25, 15-8)
Gannon leaders: Journey Blevins (Richwood, Ohio/North Union) 20 kills, Hailey Koch (Littleton, Col./Dakota Ridge) 14 kills, Madde Blake (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central) 10 kills, Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) 46 assists; Emma Hall (Lowell, Mich./Lowell) 25 digs.
 
What happened:

• Gannon lost the first set but bounced back to win the next two, including a 25-11 victory in the third set.
• Both teams took turns making big runs throughout the match.
• Arslan's setting and Hall's ability to keep the ball in play with digs were crucial in the win.
• Blevins asserted herself with big kills in the fifth set.

 
By the numbers:

• Gannon was dominant in the fifth set with 9 kills on 15 total attacks and a hitting percentage of .533.
• Blevins had six kills in the fifth set, while Hailey Koch (Littleton, Col./Dakota Ridge) had two in the set.
• Blevins led Gannon with four aces.
• Arslan and Blake helped out defensively with 12 and 11 digs, respectively.

Match 1

Final score: Gannon 3, Fayetteville State 1 (25-18, 25-13, 23-25, 25-13)
Gannon leaders: Journey Blevins (Richwood, Ohio/North Union) 14 kills, Hailey Koch (Littleton, Col./Dakota Ridge) 11 kills, Sam Deinek (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon East) 7 kills

What happened:

• Sophomore setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) had an outstanding all-around match with 37 assists, 11 digs, six service aces and three blocks.
• Gannon dominated the first, second, and fourth sets while the Broncos took the third set.

 
Up next:
Gannon concludes play in the Charleston Invitational on Saturday when the Golden Knights will face UNC Pembroke at noon and Millersville at 5 p.m.