CHARLESTON – For the second time in program history, the Morgantown High volleyball team is the state champion.
The Mohigans defeated Hedgesville 3-1 in Saturday’s Class AAAA title match at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, winning by set scores of 25-22, 25-20, 16-25, and 25-14 to capture the championship.
“Momentum meant so much to us in this one,” MHS head coach Abigail Wolfe said. “We wanted to make sure we could build point for point. We wanted to come out with more energy in the fourth set. We haven’t been that strong in the third set all season, but we usually come back and play well in the fourth like we did today.”
Morgantown jumped out to an early lead in the opening set behind strong play at the net from Leah Greeny and Abby Paulsen. The two teams traded points early before the Mohigans went on a 4-0 run to take a 14-10 lead and force a Hedgesville timeout. The Eagles fought back to tie the set at 16, but a late surge capped by kills from Paige Brink and Paulsen helped MHS close it out 25-22 and grab a 1-0 match lead.
The Mohigans carried that momentum into the second set, racing out to a 4-1 start as Greeny continued to dominate up front. Brink and Greeny combined for several crucial kills as MHS stretched the lead to 15-8 and later 18-10. Hedgesville mounted a small rally late, but Morgantown held firm for a 25-20 win to move within one set of the title.
“Once those nerves go away a bit, you just have to play your game and do what you know you can,” Greeny said. “We trust each other, and it showed on the court today.”
Hedgesville refused to go quietly, taking control early in the third set. The Eagles led 7-3 and never looked back, extending their advantage to 15-8 and 20-14 as Morgantown struggled to find rhythm. Hedgesville claimed the third set 25-16 to force a fourth.
That’s when the Mohigans responded like champions.
After falling behind 4-1 to start the fourth set, Morgantown caught fire. Kills from Kelly Ryan and Brink sparked a massive 14-2 run that turned a three-point deficit into a commanding 15-6 lead. The Mohigans continued to press the attack, with Paulsen and Greeny hammering points at the net to make it 20-10.
With the state title within reach, Morgantown closed in on victory. Leading 23-13, Greeny delivered a thunderous kill to give MHS a championship point, and a Hedgesville serve into the net sealed it — a 25-14 win and a 3-1 match victory.
As the final ball hit the floor, the Mohigans celebrated their second state championship in school history and first since 2022.
Greeny, Brink, and Paulsen led a balanced MHS attack that combined powerful offense with steady defense and poise under pressure.
“We’ve played in the championship every year I’ve been on this team,” Brink said. “To be able to win it twice in four years is super special for our program and our school. Coming here can be nerve-wracking, but this year I felt a lot more confident. I took responsibility for managing others’ nerves, which helped the feeling a bit. I knew I had to step up and be there for my team. I just love the whole experience, and being able to celebrate this with my team means so much.”
Paige Brink and Leah Greeny were named to the Class AAAA all-tournament team.
