Box Score
The Wilkes University women's volleyball team competed in their first match of the Scranton Invitational Friday, defeating SUNY-IT in four games, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22 and 25-20. Each game was close throughout the contest, as Wilkes was down at one point in every game.
In the first game Wilkes found themselves down 9-4, but were able to rally and grab a lead, one that they retained throughout the rest of the game.
Kate McGurk (Swarthmore/Ridley) was four for eight on her attacks, leading the way for the Colonels.
LeeAnn Searfoss (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) had eight assists in the game as well.
In the second game it was a different story, as Wilkes was never able to capture the lead. The Lady Colonels brought the deficit to two at the end of the game, but weren't able to overtake the Wildcats, falling 23-25. SUNY-IT went to hitter Juleah Vedder 15 times, seven of which she was able to turn into kills. McGurk once again led Wilkes with five kills.
The Colonels were able to respond in game three, beating the Wildcats in a close contest, 25-22. Once again it was McGurk leading the way for the Colonels with six kills on nine attempts. Searfoss recorded 10 assists in the game.
Wilkes was able to create some space halfway through the fourth and final match, space that they wouldn't surrender to the Wildcats, winning the game and match, 25-20.
Marissa Harrison (Shavertown/Lake-Lehman) led the Colonels in kills with four, while Searfoss again had 10 assists.
On the day the Colonels found a steady source of scoring in McGurk, as the sophomore outside hitter was able to kill 18 of her 30 attempts with only one error, a kill percentage of .567. Searfoss recorded a double-double, tallying 38 assists and leading the Colonels in digs with 16.
Julie Page (New Milford, Pa./Blue Ridge) and Harrison both had 10 kills on the day, with Harrison also recording a double-double with her 10 digs.
Wilkes had nine less errors than the Wildcats, as well as a .256 hitting percentage, twice as good as SUNY-IT.
SUNY-IT repeatedly looked to the Vedder, as the sophomore had 24 kills on 57 attempts. Nicole Higgins had 37 assists for the Wildcats.
With the victory the Lady Colonels are now 7-0 and challenge Keystone on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Scranton Invite. The match will being at 10:00 am.
