Washington, D.C., September 11, 2025
News Summary
The George Washington University volleyball team had a challenging start at the Dig The District tournament, winning against North Carolina Central University and losing to Temple University. In the first match, GW showcased their dominance, winning in straight sets. However, they couldn’t sustain the momentum in the second match, losing after initially leading. Key players contributed significantly, with standout performances in offense and defense, setting the stage for their next match against Georgetown University.
Washington, D.C. – The George Washington University (GW) volleyball team experienced a mixed opening day at the Dig The District tournament on September 5, 2025, achieving a victory in their first match against North Carolina Central University (NCCU) before falling to Temple University in their second matchup.
GW dominated their first match against NCCU, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-22, 25-17, and 25-14. The Buff & Blue showcased resilience as they overcame a five-point deficit in the first set to capture the win. In the second set, GW displayed an impressive offensive performance by recording 19 team kills and building a lead of as much as 10 points. The final set saw GW maintain an early lead, sealing the match decisively.
Sophomore pin hitter Taylor Treahy led the team against NCCU with an impressive 12 kills, closely followed by fellow pin hitter Alexis Rodriguez with 11 kills. Setter Dilara Elmacıoğlu distinguished herself with 36 assists during the match. Defensively, Sydney Hasenfratz contributed significantly with four blocks and five kills. In the back row, both Penelope Hiepler and Lydia Zeng made notable contributions with 10 digs each. Freshman Ava Webster made her collegiate debut, adding two kills to the team’s effort. The match was characterized by a strong offensive performance, as GW’s attacking game hit above .300 in both the second (.381) and third (.343) sets.
In their second match of the day, however, GW faced a tougher challenge against Temple University, losing 3-1. The Buff & Blue started strong, winning the opening set 25-21 and logging 13 team kills. Subsequently, Temple came back and dominated the next three sets, winning them with scores of 25-21, 25-19, and 25-15.
Cayla Cogan stood out against Temple, leading GW’s offense with 14 kills and contributing four blocks to the team’s efforts. Both setters, Dilara Elmacıoğlu and Abby Markworth, collaborated effectively, combining for 35 assists throughout the match. In defense, Hiepler once again shone in the back row, leading with 14 digs during the encounter.
Looking ahead, GW is set to play their next match on September 6, 2025, against Georgetown University at 4 PM. Fans are encouraged to attend, as admission will be free, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Key Match Statistics
| Match | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Set 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GW vs. NCCU | 25-22 | 25-17 | 25-14 | – | – |
| GW vs. Temple | 25-21 | 21-25 | 19-25 | 15-25 | – |
FAQ
What teams did GW face on September 5, 2025?
On September 5, 2025, GW faced North Carolina Central University and Temple University in the Dig The District tournament.
What was the outcome of GW’s matches?
GW won their first match against NCCU in straight sets but lost to Temple University in four sets.
When is GW’s next match?
GW’s next match is scheduled for September 6, 2025, against Georgetown University at 4 PM.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Howard University Edges Out George Washington University in Volleyball
Georgetown University Volleyball Team to Compete in Tournament
Additional Resources
- GW Sports: GW Volleyball Splits Day No. 1 of Dig The District
- Georgetown Hoyas: Hoyas Drop Match to George Washington
- Temple Owls: Greene Dominates as Temple Tops GW
- Google Search: George Washington University Volleyball
- Georgetown Hoyas: Hoyas Grab First Win of 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
