READING, PA - Penn State Berks was swept by conference leading Gallaudet University by set scores of 25-11, 25-11, 25-10 on Saturday, October 18 at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center during the Penn State Berks Dig Pink Game, an event dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer.
Penn State Berks opened the first set with a kill from
Madelyn Caris on an assist by
Libby Swoyer, taking an early 1-0 lead. However, the Bison quickly turned the tide with a series of scoring plays, including service aces and kills, to move ahead 7-1. Despite efforts from the Nittany Lions, including a kill by
Julia Zaprazny and an ace by Caris, Gallaudet maintained momentum. The Bison had strong serving and effective kills extended their lead as the set progressed, while the Nittany Lions managed to capitalize on a few errors from the visiting team. The home team recorded a late push with several points, highlighted by a kill from
Ella Griffiths, but Gallaudet closed out the set at 25-11.
Gallaudet secured an early lead in the second set with a series of points, including kills from Ella Gamble and Jada Zarembka, pushing the score to 5-1. The Nittany Lions responded with a kill from Griffiths, but Gallaudet maintained momentum with key plays from Citrine Lummer and Brielle Worley, extending the advantage to 12-6. Despite efforts from Caris and an ace by
Karlie Kerschner, the Nittany Lions struggled to close the gap as the Bison continued to capitalize on service aces and blocks. The set concluded with Gallaudet winning 25-11, widening their lead in the match.
Berks began the third set with a strong start as
Marissa Bailey secured the first point with a kill from Swoyer's assist. A service error from Gallaudet contributed to the early offense, allowing the home team to maintain a competitive stance at 2-2. However, Gallaudet responded with a series of successful plays, including multiple kills by Lummer and Zarembka, which shifted momentum and extended their lead. Despite Penn State Berks' efforts, including a service ace by Griffiths, Gallaudet continued to press forward. Worley's multiple kills helped them establish control. As the set progressed, Bailey added another point with a kill, but Gallaudet's consistent offense, capped by a kill from Lummer, closed the set at 25-10 in favor of the visitors.
Swoyer contributed significantly with eight assists and six digs over three sets. Caris added to the effort by recording three kills and seven digs, alongside one service ace. Griffiths tallied three kills and five digs while also serving one ace. Bailey made an impact with two kills on four attempts, achieving a .500 hitting percentage.
WHO'S NEXT
The next challenge for the Nittany Lions will be on October 22, when they host Rosemont College. The match is set for 7:00 PM.
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