Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
15-5,9-2Patriot
Holy Cross
7-20,1-10Patriot
Volleyball Sweeps Holy Cross to Clinch Patriot League Tournament Spot
October 26, 2025 | Volleyball
WEST POINT, N.Y. — Army West Point volleyball (15-5, 9-2) capped off the weekend with a dominating win over the Holy Cross Crusaders (7-20, 1-10), earning a 3-0 match sweep.
With the win, Army clinched a spot in the 2025 Patriot League Tournament, starting November 18. This season marks the 32nd time Army has competed in the tournament, the most appearances by any program in Patriot League history.
The Black Knights also sweep the season series against the Crusaders and extends their win streak against Holy Cross to seven-straight games.
The win also marks Army's fifth-straight win, its longest win streak of the season, and the longest regular-season win streak the Black Knights have had since 2023, when Army won six games in a row during the regular season.
The Black Knights took the first set 25-16. The two teams battled in the second set, going to extra points before Army earned a 26-24 win. They bookended the sweep with another 25-16 win, but in the third set to clinch the match.
Match Recap
Army came out strong in the opening set, setting the tone early with a fast-paced offense and disciplined defense.
Naomi Chinchar distributed the ball evenly, finding Chloe Murakami and Juliette Myrick in rhythm on the pins. The Black Knights established control with back-to-back kills from Corrine Blackburn and Mackenzie Lynch, pushing the Crusaders on their heels.
Janie Deapen anchored the right side with several quick kills and timely blocks, while Michelle Parker added energy at the net and forced Holy Cross into attack errors.
Murakami's consistent swings from both the front and back row kept Army's offense clicking. With Army leading comfortably down the stretch, a late run capped by kills from Murakami and Myrick sealed the set 25–16, giving the Black Knights early momentum.
The second frame was a hard-fought battle that showcased Army's composure and resilience.
Holy Cross came out swinging, but Army responded with balance and precision. Murakami and Lynch continued to score efficiently on the outside, while Chinchar's sharp sets kept the Crusader defense guessing.
The two teams traded points deep into the set, with Deapen and Parker stepping up at the net to provide key blocks that slowed Holy Cross's attack. After a series of ties, Army trailed 23–22 before storming back.
Blackburn delivered a powerful kill to tie it, followed by another kill from Murakami to regain the lead. Holy Cross managed to even it at 24–24, but Army's veteran poise shone through.
Myrick found an open seam for a clutch kill, and Chinchar connected with Blackburn again on the final play to close the set 26–24. The come-from-behind win put Army in firm control, leading 2–0.
Determined to finish the sweep, Army opened the third set with aggressive serving and dominant net play.
Myrick and Murakami picked up right where they left off, combining for several early kills that gave the Black Knights an edge. Chinchar continued to orchestrate the offense with precision, mixing quick sets to the middle with well-timed swings to the outside.
Deapen and Parker controlled the net defensively, recording multiple blocks and forcing Holy Cross hitters into errors. Midway through the set, Army extended its lead with kills from Murakami, Myrick, and Lynch, plus an ace from Chinchar that electrified the sideline.
Up 22–15, Army kept its foot on the gas, Myrick put down another kill, and Murakami closed out the match with a strong finish on the outside. The 25–16 victory sealed a commanding 3–0 sweep, showcasing Army's offensive depth, defensive discipline, and team chemistry.
Black Knight Bullet Points
- Janie Deapen earned several career-highs in her first collegiate start, earning 12 kills while hitting .647 percent, the best hitting percentage of any Army player this season.
- Mackenzie Lynch also turned in a solid stat line, finishing with 10 kills while hitting .455. Defensively, Lynch also added 11 digs and three blocks.
- Michelle Parker led the net defense with four blocks while also adding five kills.
- Two other Black Knights earned 10+ digs, with Naomi Chinchar adding a team-high 15 digs and Chloe Murakami finishing with 10 of her own.
- Juliette Myrick add a team-high 22 assists with Chinchar adding 18 assists and the lone ace for Army.
- The Black Knights dominated offensively, finishing with 50 kills while hitting .306. On the other side, Holy was held to only 28 kills while hitting .079.
- Individually, Army finished each set hitting .371, .256 and .297, while Holy Cross hitting .095, .205 and -.091.
- Army's defense shined, out digging the Crusaders 56 to 40 and had five blocks to Holy Cross' three blocks.
Coach's Corner
I'm very proud of the team, the coaching staff and everyone that is associated with our program," head coach Alma Kovaci Lee said. "What's so important about today is that coming back from yesterday to win this game in three sets says a lot about our resilience, focus and maturity. We are coming off from a really tough, emotional and exhausting five-setter against Colgate. To come back today and play a really good and improved Holy Cross team, and beat them in three, it really shows how focused we are in competing for championships."
"Janie is actually very versatile," Kovaci Lee continued. "When we needed a setter, Janie came in and set for us. When we need an outside, Janie comes in and hits outside. Janie can play six rotations, and Janie can hit right side. She stays focused, she stays composed, and she just brings so much joy to the court. I can't say enough about her athleticism as well. She can jump and has an arm on her, so it's really, really good to see her talent, her work ethic and poise on the court."
"We have five more games, but to clinch a tournament spot at the same time as Colgate and American in the same weekend is a pretty big deal. We are right there at the top. For us, it adds fuel to the fire and adds to the belief that we're capable of winning a championship."
Up Next
The Black Knights remain in West Point for the next two games, first with a rematch set for October 31 at 6 p.m. ET against American.
Army will face off against the current top team in the Patriot League standings for the second time this season. The two teams faced off on September 20 in Washington D.C., with American taking a 3-1 win over the Black Knights.
For fans who cannot attend the match at West Point, the match will stream live on ESPN+.
Follow Along
For complete coverage of Army West Point women's volleyball, follow the Black Knights on X and Instagram at @ArmyWP_VB and online at www.goarmywestpoint.com.
