READING, PA - The Penn State Berks women's volleyball team fell in straight sets, 25-10, 25-10, 25-18, on Tuesday, September 30 at Beaver Athletics & Wellness Center. Despite the home court advantage,

The Nittany Lions began the first set with Libby Swoyer setting up Madelyn Caris for the first point, but momentum quickly shifted to Altoona. Despite an early equalizer, Berks struggled to maintain pace as the visitors capitalized on multiple service aces and kills, building a significant lead. Berks managed to regain some ground with contributions from Caris and defensive errors by the Lions, but the visiting team continued to press their advantage. The set concluded with Altoona taking it 25-10, closing the set on a decisive block to secure the lead.

In the second set, Berks began with an early advantage as Julia Zaprazny, returning from injury, registered a kill, assisted by Swoyer, for the first point. Despite this initial success, the Lions rapidly gained momentum, responding with a series of points fueled by attack errors from Berks and effective kills from Altoona's players. The Nittany Lions attempted to stay in the game with a service ace from Gabryella Maney, but the Lions maintained control, capitalizing on additional errors to extend their lead. The set concluded with Altoona sealing the set 25-10, demonstrating strong service play, including back-to-back aces by Jenna Dunn.

Berks started the third set with momentum, quickly taking a 2-0 lead with a kill from Caris and a service ace by Swoyer. However, the Lions responded with a series of plays, including a service ace by Kyla Campbell, to pull ahead 7-3. Despite a mid-set push by Berks, featuring a service ace by Karlie Kerschner that brought them within one point at 14-13, the Lions maintained their advantage. Key plays from Caris and Swoyer kept the home team competitive, tying the score at 15-15. The Lions regained control, extending the lead with strong serves and decisive kills, closing the set at 25-18. The visitors took the third set, bringing the match to a crucial point for Berks.

Swoyer contributed six assists and recorded six digs in the match. Caris led the team with seven kills and added nine digs. Mackenzie Davis matched Caris with nine digs, providing strong defensive support. Maney added two service aces, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.

UP NEXT
Penn State Berks women's volleyball will travel to Williamsport, PA, to face Penn College. The teams are set to meet on Thursday, Oct. 2, with action beginning at 7:00 PM

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