Hazelton, Pa.- Penn State Hazleton swept Penn State Berks in straight sets on Tuesday, September 23rd. 

Hazleton's offensive efficiency was evident, recording a .252 hitting percentage compared to Berks' .050. Hazleton also dominated at the service line with nine aces to Berks' four, sealing a decisive victory at home. The opening set saw Penn State Berks initiate play but quickly trail as Penn State Hazleton established an early 3-0 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Claire Riera-Gomez. Berks responded with a kill from Madelyn Caris assisted by Libby Swoyer, narrowing the gap to 3-2. They managed to stay within reach, thanks to additional kills by Emily Snader, also facilitated by Swoyer, maintaining a competitive scoreline at 6-5 in favor of Hazleton. Despite efforts from Berks, including a service ace by Snader, Hazleton extended their lead with consistent scoring from Olivia Bilbow and Riera-Gomez.Berks capitalized on service errors from Hazleton to inch closer, yet Hazleton's offensive momentum proved challenging to counter. The set concluded with Hazleton pulling away, securing the first set 25-13 after a final kill by Bilbow. Berks will look to adjust and respond in the next set as the match progresses.

In the second set, Penn State Berks attempted to close the gap against Hazleton with key contributions from Caris and Ella Griffiths. Caris delivered timely kills, including an early strike assisted by Swoyer, helping to keep Berks within reach of Hazleton. Griffiths added multiple kills, with assists from Swoyer, contributing to a late surge from Berks. Despite Berks' efforts, including a service ace by Snader, Hazleton maintained their lead through a series of successful plays orchestrated by Sophia Del Vacchio. Hazleton capitalized on Berks' errors and secured the set with a final kill by Jacqueline Whitlock, closing the set at 25-20 in favor of Hazleton. In the third set, Berks initially gained momentum with early points from attack errors by Hazleton, taking a 2-0 lead. Caris contributed with a kill set up by Swoyer, but a series of plays from Hazleton, including a service ace by Del Vacchio, shifted the advantage, extending their lead to 10-4. Despite efforts from Snader and Caris, who each delivered kills to narrow the gap, Berks faced a consistent offensive push from Sydney Mack and Riera-Gomez of Hazleton. Berks rallied late with Caris achieving crucial kills and Karlie Kerschner serving back-to-back aces to cut the deficit to 23-17. However, Hazleton maintained their edge, closing the set on a kill by Del Vacchio to secure a 25-18 victory, concluding the match with a decisive lead.

Kerschner recorded 16 digs and added two aces, contributing significantly to the defensive effort. Griffiths matched Kerschner with 16 digs, ensuring stability in the back row throughout the match. Snader was effective on the attack, posting seven kills on 21 attempts and contributing two aces. Swoyer facilitated the offense with 17 assists while maintaining an attack percentage of .400 on five attempts.

WHO'S NEXT
Penn State Berks women's volleyball will travel to Centenary University on September 25. The match is set for 7 p.m. in Hackettstown, NJ.

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