WILSON, N.C. – The Barton women's volleyball team (0-2) opened the 2026 season with a pair of setbacks to Elizabeth City State (3-2) and Newberry (3-0) Friday at the Bulldog Invitational at Wilson Gymnasium.

Elizabeth City State 3, Barton 2
The Vikings rallied from a two-set deficit to stun the Bulldogs by scores of 23-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 and 15-9.

Elizabeth City State was led by junior Kendall Washington (Aldie, Va.) with 17 kills and 16 digs as the Vikings used 12 service aces in the comeback victor.  Elizabeth City State also had 11 blocks in the win.

Barton lost despite a monster double-double – 17 kills and 23 assists – from junior outside hitter Bailey McIntyre (Mooresville, N.C.) and 34 assists from graduate student setter Paige Bagwell (Kings Mountain, N.C.). 

Newberry 3, Barton 0
The Wolves swept the Bulldogs by scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-14.

Newberry held Barton to a -0.009 hitting percentage and was led by Maggie Helle (Spartanburg, S.C.) with nine kills.

Four players had four kills for the Bulldogs while junior libero Kylie Simpson (Lexington, Ky.) totaled 17 kills in the setback for the home team.

Barton hosts Newberry (Noon) and Elizabeth City State (2:00 p.m.) Saturday on the final day of the invitational.