NC State volleyball defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack 3-0 in Manhattan, Kansas, on Thursday afternoon.

The Wolfpack (4-1) came into the game looking to snag its first win outside of Raleigh under first-year head coach Megan Wargo-Kearney. After a disappointing sweep loss against Kansas State, it looked to get redemption in the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Classic against a team that shares its nickname, the Nevada Wolf Pack (1-3).
NC State won all three sets with control and composure, posting final scores of 25-18, 25-21 and 25-16. Each set saw the Pack maintain momentum through consistent serving, aggressive swings and smart play at the net. Its execution improved as the match progressed, with clean transitions and well-timed attacks that kept putting Nevada in positions of adversity.
The biggest standout for the Pack was senior outside hitter Courtney Bryant, who recorded nine kills. Freshman opposite hitter Jordan Smith and freshman outside hitter Rebecca Ring tied for the second-most kills with eight.

Bryant has emerged as a leader in her senior season. Smith and Ring continue to impress, contributing not just on offense, but also showing promise in serve-receive and defensive transition, with Ring having three block assists.

This game marked the first win of coach Wargo-Kearney’s tenure that was not in Reynolds Coliseum. Even though this win was not in a true road atmosphere, any win away from home has the potential to be a great confidence booster.

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Classic provides NC State with valuable experience against out-of-conference opponents in a tournament-like setting. That environment is critical for preparing a young team for the giants of ACC play later in the season.

The Wolfpack’s next game will be on Sept. 10 at Reynolds Coliseum against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Showdown at the Net. The game is slated to start at 6 p.m.