MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg scratched and clawed and pushed Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) opponent York (Pa.) to four sets in front of a hometown crowd at the Capital Union Building on Thursday, Oct. 31.  Unfortunately, despite the team's valiant effort, the Lions fell to the Spartans 3-1 on Halloween night.  The Blue & White fell to the visitors 25-17, 25-19, 23-25 and 25-17.

York jumped out to an early lead and rode that momentum to victory in the opening set.  The Lions made the Spartans work in the second set and hung with the visitors for much of the timeframe, staying within a point or two until late in the game.  The ladies came to life in set number three, gaining an early advantage they refused to surrender.  Penn State Harrisburg Head Coach Bob Creason used two timeouts to keep momentum in his team's favor with his squad leading 15-14 and 18-16.  The Spartans made a late push and drew to within one point but the Blue & White finished strong, took the set and drew to within one game.  The final set, however, saw the Lions come out flat out of the gate and York took full advantage, upping its advantage over the course of the timeframe and never letting the ladies draw to within striking distance.

"We were unable to match York's enthusiasm as they needed this win to qualify for the CAC playoffs," said Creason.  "Too many early errors kept us several points off the pace as their combination of a strong outside hitter and an excellent game from their libero kept us on our heels.  While we were able to hang with them, their defense kept us from stringing together a winning effort."

Freshman Marion Chlipala (Cape Coral, Fla. / Oasis Charter) turned in one of the best offensive performances of her young career by racking up a team-high 11 kills.  Fellow frosh Megan Sheaffer (Palmyra, Pa. / Palmyra Area) also stepped up on offense and added seven kills of her own while senior Chidere Igwe (West Orange, N.J. / West Orange) pitched in with six kills.      

Junior Erin Goodyear (Boiling Springs, Pa. / Boiling Springs), the team's libero, led the way defensively by digging out 13 balls.  Senior Elizabeth Findley (New Providence, Pa. / Solanco), one of the Lions' setters, also had a strong outing, digging out ten balls to go with her nine assists and three service aces.  Sophomore Katie Shek (Old Bridge, Pa. / Old Bridge), the second of Penn State Harrisburg's setters, racked up 15 assists and six digs.

Following the loss to the Spartans, the Blue & White sit at 5-23 on the year and 0-7 in conference play.  The Lions have just two matches remaining on their docket.  This Saturday, Penn State Harrisburg hosts a tri-match and takes on CAC foe Mary Washington at 12 pm before finishing up the 2013 season by going up against Susquehanna in the nightcap.

Thursday was also Penn State Harrisburg's women's volleyball senior night and prior to the contest, soon-to-be graduates Igwe, Findley and Bree Green (Philadelphia, Pa. / Cardinal Dougherty) were honored for all they have contributed to the Blue & White program.

Igwe is a four-year senior and one of the program's most successful players.  During her time at Penn State Harrisburg, she's racked up 540 kills and 154 blocks; both numbers are the best in school-history. 

"At the end of last season, Chiddy promised that she would refocus on her final year and she has answered that call," said Creason.  "All of our opponents have felt the effects of her reinvigorated efforts.  She has become our go to hitter and no one matches her defensive effort at the net."

One of this year's team captains, Findley has been a member of the Penn State Harrisburg family the past two seasons.  Her 524 career assists rank her second on the program's all-time list. 

"As a setter, Beth has controlled the court while helping all of our players stay on task," said Creason.  "As a captain, she helped her fellow players give their full effort at every outing.  As a juniors' coach herself, she knows how to get the best out of her players and teammates, both in practice and on game day."

Green joined the Penn State Harrisburg women's volleyball team this fall despite playing with the Lions for just one season, she made her mark when she set an NCAA record by serving for 24 consecutive points against Trinity (D.C.) earlier this fall. 

"Bree brought great enthusiasm and desire to Penn State Harrisburg," said Creason.  Arriving as a transfer this season, she proved ready to learn and play any position asked of her.  If she could help the team, you could count on her.  As a newcomer, she displayed enthusiasm on and off the court."