Winston-Salem State University

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Winston-Salem State University women's volleyball team (1-1) opened the 2026 season Friday at the 5th Set Invitational, splitting a pair of matches inside Goodman Arena.

The Rams opened the day with a 3-0 victory over Erskine, winning 25-21, 25-12, 27-25, before falling to Belmont Abbey, 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-19), in the nightcap.

GAME ONE | Winston-Salem State, 3 - Erskine, 0
WSSU opened the season with a straight-set victory over Erskine, using a strong offensive performance to finish with 45 kills and a .349 hitting percentage. The Rams also recorded 53 digs, eight total blocks and three service aces.

SET 1 | Winston-Salem State and Erskine battled throughout the opening frame, with 12 ties and six lead changes. The Rams used 16 kills and three blocks to secure a 25-21 victory.

SET 2 | The Rams took control in the second set, hitting .500 with 13 kills and just one attack error. WSSU pulled away for a 25-12 victory to take a 2-0 match lead.

SET 3 | Erskine pushed WSSU to the limit in the final set, battling to a 25-25 tie. The Rams answered with back-to-back kills, including the match-clinching point from Holiday Ellis, to complete the 27-25 victory.

Top Performers vs. Erskine

• Holiday Ellis: 12 kills, 12 digs
• Celina Johnson: 23 assists
• Kalyn Cuthbertson: 13 digs
• Kamiyah Wilson: 5 kills, 2 blocks
• Sarah Sanders: 5 kills
• Zoe Chesson: 3 kills, 2 blocks, 1 service ace

GAME TWO | Belmont Abbey, 3 - Winston-Salem State, 0
The Rams battled throughout the second match of the day but couldn't overcome Belmont Abbey's offensive attack, falling in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19.

SET 1 | Winston-Salem State recorded nine kills but committed nine attack errors as Belmont Abbey pulled away for a 25-18 victory.

SET 2 | The Rams battled back to tie the second set at 17-17 before Belmont Abbey closed the frame on an 8-5 run to take a 25-22 victory.

SET 3 | WSSU battled throughout the final frame, recording 12 kills, but Belmont Abbey maintained its advantage to close out the match with a 25-19 win.

Top Performers vs. Belmont Abbey

• Holiday Ellis: 8 kills, 7 digs, 3 service aces
• Celina Johnson: 23 assists, 3 digs, 1 kill
• Kalyn Cuthbertson: 13 digs, 2 assists
• Kamiyah Wilson: 5 kills, 2 blocks
• Sarah Sanders: 5 kills, 3 digs
• Zoe Chesson: 3 kills, 2 blocks, 1 service ace

Up Next
The Rams continue play on day two of the 5th Set Invitational, taking on Davis & Elkins College at 2 p.m., inside Goodman Arena.

For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.