ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. - The Penn State Berks Women's Volleyball team got of to a tough start to their season falling to Elizabethtown (3-2, 0-0 Landmark) in four sets, 25-11, 24-26, 25-13, 25-15, and then succumbing to Arcadia (3-3, 0-0 MAC Freedom) in straight sets, 25-6, 25-7, 25-16.

Against Elizabethtown, Penn State Berks started off strong in the first set, taking a 3-0 lead thanks to Madelyn Caris, who scored three consecutive kills with assists from Sophie Harris and Libby Swoyer. However, Elizabethtown quickly regained control, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from Berks and building a commanding 13-6 lead. Despite some key plays from Griffiths and Caris, Berks could not overcome the deficit, with Elizabethtown winning the set 25-11.

The second set saw a remarkable comeback from Berks. After Elizabethtown took an early lead, Berks responded with a 4-0 run, including a service ace from Swoyer. Despite trailing by as many as 12 points, Berks showcased resilience, tying the set at 24-24. A decisive kill from Caris secured the set for Berks, leading to a 26-24 victory.

In the third set, Berks again started strong, but Elizabethtown's resilience led to a 25-13 set win, highlighted by strong plays from Lucy Stanek. The fourth set saw Swoyer's service ace momentarily shift momentum for Berks, but Elizabethtown surged with an 11-1 run, sealing the match with a 25-15 victory.

Against Arcadia, the Nittany Lions struggled to find their footing. Arcadia dominated the first set, swiftly establishing a 6-0 lead. Berks' Sophie Harris managed to score a kill, but Arcadia extended their lead to 19-6, ultimately winning the set 25-6 with strong performances from Chana Rothschild and multiple service aces.

The second set began with a promising kill from Swoyer, but Arcadia quickly took control, executing a 9-2 run. Despite efforts from Berks, including a kill from Griffiths, Arcadia closed the set at 25-7, highlighted by consistent offense from Bryana Saenz and Devon Young.

The third set opened with Arcadia taking an early lead again, and despite a rally from Berks that tied the set at 7-7, Arcadia regained control with some powerful attacks, securing the set 25-16.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
In the match against Elizabethtown, Swoyer led with 18 assists and added 10 digs, while  Caris contributed significantly with 12 kills and 11 digs. Karlie Kershner anchored the back row with a team-high 20 digs, and Griffiths added depth with eight kills and eight digs.

In the game against Arcadia, Swoyer again played a key role with nine assists and seven digs, while Caris led the team in kills with six, matching Swoyer with seven digs. Kershner chipped in with five digs and one assist, and Amelie Kanasheva recorded one ace and two digs during her two sets of play.

WHO'S NEXT
Penn State Berks will next face Cairn University in Langhorne, PA, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m.

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