WILLIAMSPORT, PA - The Penn State Berks women's volleyball team defeated Penn College 3-1 on Thursday at Bardo Gymnasium. The Nittany Lions took the match with set scores of 25-16, 21-25, 25-19, 25-20. Berks capitalized on a strong serving performance, recording 11 aces, while Penn College struggled with 20 service errors.
The Nittany Lions got off to a fast start, initiated by a kill from
Madelyn Caris and an ace from
Libby Swoyer to quickly grab the lead. Swoyer and
Gabryella Maney provided key assists, allowing Caris and
Julia Zaprazny to contribute with crucial kills that kept Berks within striking distance. Berks capitalized on Penn College's errors, with
Emily Snader delivering consecutive service aces and a block, building momentum to stretch their lead. Snader's performance was complemented by effective plays from the front line, including
Marissa Bailey and
Ella Griffiths, who maintained defensive pressure. The Nittany Lions continued their offensive push lat in the set, with Snader and Caris adding decisive kills, earning the first set with a 25-16 advantage over the Wildcats.
In the second set, Penn College seized an early advantage with a series of service aces, including a notable pair from Haylie Thomsen, contributing to a 12-9 lead. The Nittany Lions responded with a sequence of points, highlighted by service aces from Snader and strategic kills by Zaprazny and Caris, leveling the score at 12-12. As the set progressed, the Wildcats regained momentum with effective serves and attacks, extending their lead to 20-15. Despite a late push from the Nittany Lions, featuring a series of kills and capitalizing on opponent errors, the Wildcats maintained their edge. The set concluded with a 25-21 victory for the Wildcats, as Lilly Stockum's decisive kill secured the final point.
Berks looked to bounce back in the third set, opening the set with a series of strong plays, highlighted by Caris's kill from Swoyer, setting the tone early. The team built momentum with a service ace and effective blocking, including a block by Zaprazny and
Cornelia Hathcoat, which helped them establish a lead. Despite a brief shift in momentum due to the Wildcats' service aces, the Nittany Lions regained control with Snader and Hathcoat contributing kills from Swoyer's assists. A succession of attack errors by Penn College, coupled with effective ball handling by the visitors, further extended their advantage. The Nittany Lions capitalized on Penn College errors and sealed the set with kills by
Oceana Tirado and Caris, both facilitated by Swoyer. Berks took control of the match with the 25-19 victory, holding a 2-1 edge in the match.
In the fourth set, the Nittany Lions capitalized on early momentum, highlighted by Caris's service aces, which helped establish a 5-1 lead. The Wildcats briefly closed the gap with their own aggressive play, but key defensive plays by Snader and Zaprazny, alongside consistent setting from Swoyer, maintained a narrow advantage for the Nittany Lions. As the set progressed, both teams exchanged points, with the Wildcats tying the score at 18-18. However, the Nittany Lions responded strongly, with Caris leading a decisive run by exploiting opponent errors and securing another service ace, pushing the score to 23-19. Zaprazny sealed the set with a thunderous kill, putting an exclamation point on a 25-20 victory in the set, securing the match for Berks.
Caris led the team with 12 kills and added four service aces, contributing to her team-high 16 points. Snader recorded six kills and delivered four service aces, enhancing her tally to 13 points. Swoyer facilitated the offense with 19 assists and added two service aces. Zaprazny contributed defensively with three block assists and collected six digs.
WHO'S NEXT
Looking ahead, the Nittany Lions will travel to Chambersburg, PA, to face Wilson College. The match is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, with the first serve at 7:00 PM
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