By: Kendis Butler
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Penn State Harrisburg women's volleyball team split a tri-match with Penn State Abington and host school Gallaudet University on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 22.
The Lions fell to the Bison in the opener (14-25, 25-19, 25-18, 20-25) before fighting back with a sweep over Penn State Abington (25-17, 25-17, 25-20) in the second match of the day. Five players from Penn State Harrisburg posted 15 or more kills across both matches, as Tori Henderson led the squad with 23 kills on the day. Olivia Koicuba was stout on defense, gathering 35 digs, while Alyssa Snyder finished with an impressive 81 assists in two outings.
The first contest saw Gallaudet take set one, however the Blue & White found their footing in the second and third sets. Although the home team took the match in the last two sets, the Lions fought hard to the very end and didn't make it easy for the Bison.
The second match started off very well, with the Blue & White handily winning the first and second sets. Henderson had six kills in the final set and Megan Morris sealed the deal with two consecutive service aces to the end the match in a sweep.
NOTABLES
- Against Gallaudet, Anna Ruff racked up 10 kills in just 18 attempts, which was good enough for a kill percentage of .500
- Henderson and DeGregory also reached double-digit kills in the opener.
- Snyder tallied 43 assists against the Bison.
- Koicuba had 23 digs in the match versus Gallaudet.
- Henderson shined on offense and defense against Penn State Abington, finishing with 13 kills, 14 digs and a pair of service aces.
- Emmaline Stevens and Hannah DeGregory both had nine total kills during the second match,
- Snyder racked up 38 assists in the win over Abington, while also providing seven digs on the defensive end.
- Koicuba earned 12 digs in the second outing.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions return to action on Saturday, Oct. 29 in another United East Conference tri-match against Lancaster Bible and host institution Penn College. The first match versus the Wildcats is set for 12 p.m. and Penn State Harrisburg's second match of the day is scheduled for 2 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.