Chambersburg, PA - Penn State Berks emerged victorious over Wilson College in a five-set thriller on Saturday at Gannett Field House, winning 3-2 with set scores of 25-23, 25-15, 20-25, 23-25, 17-15. The Nittany Lions capitalized on 11 service aces and 9 total blocks to secure the win. 

The first set opened with Nittany Lions establishing momentum early, highlighted by a series of kills from Madelyn Caris and Julia Zaprazny, jumping ahead to a 4-0 lead. The Phoenix responded with a sequence of points to tie the score at 4-4, but -Berks quickly regained control, capitalizing on Wilson's errors and a strong block from Emily Snader and Ella Griffiths to push ahead 12-8. The Nittany Lions maintained their edge through effective blocking and attacks, extending their lead to 17-11 as Snader played a key role in both offense and defense. Despite a late push from the Phoenix to close the gap, notable plays from Libby Swoyer and a timely service ace from Gabryella Maney helped Berks secure the set with a 25-23 victory.

The Nittany Lions showcased a strong start in the second set, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead with Libby Swoyer's two service aces and a kill. Wilson managed to level the score at 4-4, but another kill from Swoyer helped regain the lead for Berks. This was followed by a sequence of successful plays, including a service ace by Gabryella Maney and a block by Swoyer and Emily Snader, which extended their advantage to 11-9. The momentum continued to favor the Nittany Lions as they capitalized on multiple attack errors by Wilson. Ella Griffiths contributed with a service ace and several points off errors, pushing the lead to 19-11. Despite a few late points from the Phoenix, Berks closed the set with a decisive 25-15 victory, highlighted by a kill from Madelyn Caris and another attack error by Wilson.

Berks initially gained momentum through a series of opponent errors, including a block by Emily Snader and Ella Griffiths, bringing the score to 5-3 in their favor. However, Wilson quickly countered with a run of their own, including multiple aces from Allyson Garcelon, to take a 10-6 lead.

Berks looked to close the match in the third set, but fell behind early. They attempted to close the gap with contributions from Madelyn Caris and Julia Zaprazny, narrowing the score to 15-20. Despite their efforts, Wilson managed to maintain their lead, capitalizing on service errors by the Nittany Lions and finishing the set strong. The set ended with Wilson ahead, 25-20, after a final kill by Alison Daniels.

In the fourth set, Berks initiated a promising start with Julia Zaprazny securing an early lead through effective kills, bringing the score to 4-3. Gabryella Maney made a significant contribution with a service ace that pushed the lead to 6-4. However, Wilson responded, leveraging a series of attack errors from the Nittany Lions to tie the game at 9-9. The Nittany Lions continued to battle, with Emily Snader and Madelyn Caris delivering crucial kills to keep the score within reach at 14-16. A late surge, highlighted by service aces from Caris, brought Berks to a 23-23 draw. Despite this effort, Wilson clinched the set with the final two points, concluding the set at 25-23 in favor of Wilson.

In the decisive fifth set, Berks initiated momentum with a kill by Ella Griffiths, setting the tone for a competitive stanza against Wilson. A key service ace by Gabryella Maney pushed the Nittany Lions ahead 6-4, but Wilson responded, leveling the score at 7-7 with a series of kills. As the set progressed, Madelyn Caris helped narrow a Wilson lead with a timely kill, and a trio of Wilson attack errors allowed Berks to reclaim a slim advantage at 11-10. Despite Wilson tying the score multiple times, the Nittany Lions capitalized on Wilson's mistakes, ultimately closing the set with a 17-15 victory, securing the match.

Caris led the Nittany Lions with 14 kills and 17 digs, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Snader posted a team-high eight total blocks and added seven kills, providing strong net defense. Maney excelled at the service line, recording five aces across the match. Mackenzie Davis contributed defensively with 25 digs, bolstering the backcourt presence.

WHO'S NEXT
The Nittany Lions return home on Wednesday, October 8, as they face conference foe Cedar Crest College. The match begins at 7:00 PM.

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