Furman Splits Opening Day at Classic City Clash

ATHENS, Ga. — Furman opened the 2026 volleyball season with a split Friday at the Classic City Clash, rallying for a five-set victory over George Washington before falling to North Florida in four sets at Stegeman Coliseum.

The Paladins moved to 1-1 on the season after earning a 3-2 (13-25, 26-24, 22-25, 25-17, 16-14) victory over the Revolutionaries before North Florida handed Furman a 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18) loss later in the day.

The opening-day split gave Furman its second consecutive season-opening victory.

Furman rallies past George Washington

Izzy Castelloe led three Paladins in double-figure kills as Furman overcame a slow start to defeat George Washington in five sets.

Castelloe finished with a team-high 14 kills, while Kacie Moore and Amber Watson added 10 apiece. Emily Navarro recorded a double-double with 31 assists and 12 digs, while Morgan Baldridge added 17 assists in her collegiate debut.

Kennedy Seekford anchored the defensive effort with 20 digs, tying George Washington's Lydia Zeng for the match high. Rebekah Buchholz added five blocks.

George Washington received a 16-kill performance from Alexis Rodriguez, who also recorded 12 digs. Abby Markworth posted a double-double with 38 assists and 17 digs.

The Revolutionaries controlled the opening set, holding Furman to a .056 hitting percentage while taking the frame 25-13.

The Paladins responded in the second set, limiting George Washington to a -.077 hitting percentage and edging the Revolutionaries 26-24.

Furman jumped out to a 12-7 lead and eventually held a 16-10 advantage before George Washington rallied to take a 24-23 lead. Lauren Haynes tied the set at 24-24 before consecutive George Washington attack errors gave the Paladins the set.

George Washington answered in the third, winning 25-22 despite Furman hitting .243. The Revolutionaries produced a .324 hitting percentage to regain the lead.

Furman refused to let the match end there.

The Paladins hit .342 in the fourth set and pulled away for a 25-17 victory. Castelloe and Moore each recorded four kills, while Navarro added seven assists and Seekford six digs.

The decisive fifth set featured nine ties and five lead changes.

Furman held an early 7-5 advantage following a service ace from Baldridge, but George Washington eventually moved in front 13-12. The teams traded the next four points before Furman closed the match with a service ace and a combination block for the 16-14 victory.

Furman finished the match with 56 kills, 54 assists and 10 blocks while hitting .176 as a team.

North Florida answers in four sets

Furman carried the momentum into its second match of the day, but North Florida rallied after dropping the opening set to secure a four-set victory.

Kaili Doctor led the Ospreys with a match-high 28 kills while hitting .490. Dakota Spurrier added 15 kills, and Sofia Dawson recorded 50 assists and 14 digs.

Castelloe and Watson paced Furman with 10 kills apiece. Baldridge and Navarro each finished with 19 assists, while Ashtan Dodson led the Paladins with 16 digs. Seekford added 15 digs and Moore recorded three blocks.

Furman controlled the closing stages of the opening set after North Florida tied the score eight times. The Paladins led 19-16 following a kill from Lindsay Walch before the Ospreys pulled even at 20-20.

Furman then closed the set with a 5-1 run, securing the 25-21 victory on a North Florida service error.

The Ospreys responded in the second set, taking advantage of a stronger offensive performance to win 25-20 and even the match.

North Florida then took control of the final two sets, winning both by 25-18 margins to complete the comeback.

Castelloe and Watson each recorded three kills in the third set, while Navarro contributed seven assists and Dodson posted eight digs. Watson led Furman's offense with three kills in the fourth, with Navarro adding five assists and Seekford four digs.

Furman finished the match with 48 kills, 44 assists, 57 digs and three blocks while hitting .193.

What’s next

Furman will conclude the Classic City Clash on Saturday against host Georgia. The matchup will give the Paladins an opportunity to finish the season-opening tournament with a winning record before returning to Greenville.

After opening the season 1-1, Furman will look to build on the five-set comeback against George Washington while cleaning up the offensive and defensive stretches that allowed North Florida to take control of the second match.