BEREA, Ky. – Kentucky State women's volleyball opened the 2025 season with three matches at the Berea College Invitational, showing grit and improvement despite falling in each contest.
 
On Friday night, the Thorobreds dropped their opener in straight sets to Kentucky Christian (25-23, 25-19, 25-16) Senior outside hitter Randi Neal led the way with nine kills, while junior middle Cydne Clayton added 10 kills and three service aces. Defensively, libero Zora Nooks paced the back row with 13 digs.
 
The following morning, KSU squared off with Spalding University and fell 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-22). The Thorobreds found their rhythm offensively, hitting .256 as a team. Leah Tubbs posted an efficient .462 attack percentage with seven kills, while Sydnee Breda-Nixon contributed four kills and two blocks. Freshman setter Sienna Stewart dished out 13 assists, and Nooks chipped in seven digs.
 
KSU closed the weekend against host Berea College, forcing four sets before falling 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 25-11, 25-17). The Thorobreds earned their first set win of the season behind strong play from Laila Wheaton, who tallied eight kills at a .467 clip. Breda-Nixon and Neal combined for 17 kills, while Nooks anchored the defense with 10 digs. Setter Jada Knight directed the offense with 21 assists.

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