The third time was the charm for Juniata College in winning the CVC Championship. Juniata squared off against Southern Virginia University for the third straight season with the championship on the line, with Southern Virginia winning each of the last two seasons. However on Saturday, it was Juniata that came out on top; sweeping their way to the 2026 title, winning 25-22, 25-17, and 25-17. The championship marks fifth CVC title in program history, a conference record. 

The two teams opened the match by trading points early on, with the largest lead standing at four in the opening frame. Juniata was able to take a 10-6 lead after a Knight attack error and hold off a Knight push that got not closer than 12-11. The Eagles were able to take the all important opening set 25-22 after a service error by the Knights. The Knights committed three service errors in the opening set with another five attack errors. 

The second set saw the Knights score the first two points, but that would be their largest lead. The teams were tied at 10 when Juniata took advantage of back-to-back attack errors by the Knights. The Eagles didn't look back, managing a three point lead down the stretch before closing the set out with five straight points including three kills in a row from the duo of Felix Baier and Octavian Sperry. 

Up two sets to none, Juniata was faced with not allowing the two-time reigning CVC champions any chance at a rally. In what would be a theme in the match, a Knight attack error started the third set giving Juniata the early lead, a lead that Juniata would not relinquish. The teams were tied at 4 when Juniata scored three straight points off a kill from Chris Mellor, a Knight error, and a Tyler Phillips ace. From there the Eagles carried the momentum of the match, pulling away for the win and clinching the title with a Baier ace. 

Juniata hit .317 in the match with 38 kills and 4 aces as well as 8 blocks. Baier led the Eagles with 10 kills while Sperry finished with 9 kills. Phillips finished with 8 kills and 3.5 total blocks. Will Sierer finished with 32 assists, earning Tournament MVP honors. 

Southern Virginia hit just .067, including 20 attack errors and just 26 kills. The team hitting percentage was the lowest by the Knights in a match since the 2022 season. Tommy Forese led the Knights with 11 kills. 

Juniata College earns the CVC automatic qualifier bid to the NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball Championship. The tournament field will be announced on Monday, April 13. 

Photos courtesy of: Samuel Larson, Southern Virginia University