MIDWAY, Ky. -- Midway Women's Volleyball turns its attention to River States Conference play on Friday night as the Eagles welcome Brescia University to Marshall Gymnasium for their 2026 conference opener.

The Eagles enter the matchup at 2-10 and will look to get back into the win column after dropping their last two contests against Northwestern Ohio and Campbellsville. Friday marks Midway's first conference match of the season and just its third home contest after playing nine of its first 12 matches away from Marshall Gymnasium.

Despite the early record, Midway has shown flashes throughout a challenging non-conference slate. Both Eagle victories have come at neutral sites, including a four-set win over Michigan-Dearborn and a sweep of Wright State-Lake. Midway has also been pushed to five sets twice, including its home opener against Georgetown and a 3-2 setback against Johnson.

The Eagle attack has been led by freshman Allie McClanahan, who has collected a team-high 98 kills while averaging 2.28 kills per set. Alyssa Medeiros follows with 71 kills, while Mayson Delong has added 68 and Nyla Gaines has recorded 61.

Midway has also gotten production from several areas of the floor. Mayme Powell leads the Eagles with 188 assists and 16 service aces, while Peyton Osteen has dished out 142 assists. Defensively, Blair Riney leads the team with 123 digs, followed by Marlee Laycock with 95 and Aubry Kamholz with 92.

At the net, Morgan Broderick and Mayson Delong have helped anchor the Midway defense. Both have been involved in 19 blocks this season, with Broderick recording seven solo blocks and 12 block assists while Delong has nine solo blocks and 10 block assists.

Familiar Foes Meet Again

Friday renews a series that dates back nearly two decades. Brescia and Midway first met in 2007, when the Bearcats won both meetings in straight sets. Since then, the series has developed into a nearly even battle, with Midway holding a narrow 16-15 advantage entering Friday night.

The Eagles controlled the series for several years with nine consecutive victories before Brescia ended that run with a straight-set victory in 2025. Friday gives Midway an opportunity to start another streak while opening conference play on its home floor.

Scouting the Bearcats

Brescia enters its RSC opener with a 6-6 overall record. The Bearcats have already faced two opponents also seen by Midway this season in Northwestern Ohio and Rochester Christian. Brescia earned victories in both of those contests, while the Eagles dropped both matchups.

Callie Mason has been the centerpiece of the Bearcat attack. The junior has recorded 150 kills through 12 matches, averaging 3.57 kills per set while hitting .270. Kendyn Syfert follows with 90 kills, while Leonor Martins has directed the offense with 220 assists and a 5.24 assists-per-set average.

Brescia enters the matchup averaging 11.81 kills, 10.98 assists and 15.33 digs per set while hitting .187 as a team. Midway averages 9.72 kills, 9.05 assists and 14.14 digs per set.

First serve between the Eagles and Bearcats is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Friday inside Marshall Gymnasium.

About Midway University Athletics

Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366