READING, PA — Notre Dame (MD) swept Penn State Berks 25-14, 25-21, 25-7 on Tuesday, October 14 at Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center. Despite the loss, the Nittany Lions managed five service aces and recorded 37 digs in the match.

Berks opened the first set with starting contributions from Libby Swoyer, Madelyn Caris, and Julia Zaprazny. The team initially trailed as Notre Dame (MD) capitalized on early offensive plays, including a service ace and multiple kills. However, the Nittany Lions responded with a kill from Zaprazny and a service ace from Caris, cutting into the deficit. Midway through the set, the Nittany Lions managed to keep the score close with a kill by Swoyer and another by Zaprazny, but Notre Dame (MD) retained control with consistent scoring. Despite service errors by the opponents giving the Nittany Lions brief opportunities, the visiting team maintained its lead. The set concluded with Notre Dame (MD) extending their advantage, aided by a series of attack errors by the Nittany Lions and a final service ace from Morgan Perzan. The visiting team took the first set 25-14, establishing an early lead in the match.

Notre Dame (MD) secured an early advantage in the second set, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from the Nittany Lions, including multiple kills by Kaliyah Brown. The visiting team extended their lead to 10-2 before the Nittany Lions responded with a kill from Zaprazny, reducing the deficit slightly. The Nittany Lions initiated a mid-set surge, narrowing the gap to 18-14 with contributions from Ella Griffiths' service ace and Zaprazny's attack. Another series of scoring from the Nittany Lions, highlighted by a kill from Caris, brought them within striking distance at 20-18. Despite the late push, Notre Dame (MD) closed out the set with a final kill by Rosemary O'Brien, securing the set 25-21. 

Notre Dame (MD) started the third set with a strong service game, gaining an early advantage with two consecutive service aces by Shelbey Willson. The Nittany Lions responded with a point off an attack error by Izzy Stewart but struggled to maintain momentum as Notre Dame extended their lead to 6-1. Despite a kill from Caris, the Nittany Lions faced challenges in closing the gap as Notre Dame's Kaliyah Brown and Alyson Lackovic contributed key points. Gabriella Maney's service error and subsequent Notre Dame kills further widened the deficit. As the set progressed, Notre Dame (MD) continued to control the pace, capitalizing on errors and executing effective attacks. Although the Nittany Lions managed to add points through efforts by Zaprazny and Swoyer, the set concluded with Notre Dame securing a 25-7 victory.

Swoyer contributed significantly with nine assists and seven digs across three sets. Caris added to the defensive effort with nine digs and recorded six kills. Zaprazny was effective at the service line with two aces and also added four kills. Mackenzie Davis led the team in defense with 10 digs, reinforcing the backcourt.

WHO'S NEXT
Up next for the Nittany Lions is a home match-up against Messiah University. The contest is set for October 17, with competition beginning at 7:00 PM in Reading, PA.

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