READING, Pa. — The Penn State Berks women's volleyball team dropped a pair of matches on Saturday at the Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center, falling to Marywood University and Penn State Abington in straight sets.

In the opener, Marywood's dominant serving was proved as the Pacers registered 19 service aces and hit .291 en route to a 25-6, 25-15, 25-11 victory. Berks opened the first set with early momentum, highlighted by a kill from Karlie Kerschner off a Libby Swoyer assist, but the Pacers quickly surged ahead behind Carolina Samaniego's strong service run. Ella Griffiths and Marissa Bailey provided sparks for the Nittany Lions, but Marywood's steady offense closed out the sweep.

Mackenzie Davis anchored the Berks defense with 10 digs, while Swoyer added 11 assists and Griffiths chipped in five kills and a service ace. Gabryella Maney also made her presence felt with a service ace and four digs.

In the next match, Penn State Abington used 11 service aces and a balanced attack to earn a 25-19, 25-13, 25-22 victory over Berks. The Nittany Lions showed fight throughout, with Madelyn Caris leading the way offensively with 13 kills and 14 digs for 15.0 points. Griffiths added nine kills and 13 digs, while Swoyer dished out 27 assists and tallied two aces.

Berks opened both the first and third sets with early leads, but Abington responded each time with key service runs to swing momentum. Despite late rallies fueled by Caris and Griffiths, the Lions were unable to extend the match.

WHO'S NEXT
The Nittany Lions will look to rebound when they host Rosemont College on Monday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in Reading.

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