MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg led in two of the three games Wednesday night, Sep. 18 but ultimately fell to Penn State Altoona in straight sets by scores of 25-19, 25-15 and 25-23.

The Blue and White women's volleyball team is fighting hard to get their team back on track.  The first part of the season has found the team against some quality sides, but the Lions have been in almost every match.   Usually having early leads and ultimately losing games within just a few points in the end.    

Today was more of the same.  Harrisburg started out strong, but as the final service of game one came to a close, they were on the receiving end and started out down one game losing 25-19.  Game two was all Altoona, partially thanks to Mariah McDowell who was very impressive on the night.  McDowell finished the match with a team best 15 Kills and was second best in digs with 14 showing her strength on both sides of the court. 

By game three Harrisburg was warmed up and ready to force extra games.  They came out hard and fast to get an early lead.  But as the coveted 25 mark came close for both squads, Altoona just had a tad more class and strength to edge out the home Lions. 

Penn State Harrisburg had strong performances from front court powerhouse Chidere Igwe (West Orange, N.J. / West Orange) who led the team with 9 kills.  Katie Shek (Old Bridge, N.J. / Old Bridge) handled the set ups to gain 9 assist on the night and defensively Jessica Farabaugh (Palmyra, Pa. / Palmyra) covered the floor with 9 digs.  Unfortunately, the determining stat for the night really came from Altoona at the net where they nearly tripled Harrisburg total kills with 57 for the match compared to Harrisburg's 21.

Harrisburg hopes to change the tide Friday when they head to the nation's capital to face off against Trinity College for a 7:00 p.m. match up.