WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Wilkes women's volleyball team defeats the Warriors in a thrilling five-set match on Friday night at Lycoming College.

With the win, Wilkes improves to 14-13 overall and 2-4 in conference while Lycoming falls to 13-13 overall and 2-6 in conference.

Wilkes started the match hot, as they quickly found themselves with a 11-4 lead over Lycoming, thanks to the duo of Abby Dornblaser (Gilbertsville, PA/Boyertown) and Emilee Atherholt (Coudersport, PA/Coudersport). The Colonels' offense continued to put pressure on the Warriors, extending their lead to 21-10. Lycoming responded with a 10-3 run to get within one point of the Colonels, but it wasn't enough as a Dornblaser kill ended set one, 25-23. 

In set two, Lycoming took an 11-3 lead over the Colonels to prompt Wilkes to take the first timeout of the set, but Lycoming didn't slow down. With help from a 10-4 and 4-3 run, the Warriors took the second set 25-13.

Both teams matched each other in points at the start of set three, but Wilkes grabbed the lead (9-6) with a 6-3 run. Lycoming put up their own 8-3 run to get within one point of the Colonels, but Wilkes answered back with six straight points to extend the lead to 18-11. Wilkes powered through with a 7-6 run to secure set three, 25-17.

In set four, both teams battled for the lead, but Lycoming pulled ahead with a 12-5 run. Wilkes closed the gap with an 8-1 run led by Dornblaser who tallied five kills. Mia Leon (Ponce, PR/Caribbean) tied the set at 24 with a kill and service, but Lycoming rallied the last two points to take set two, 26-24.

In the deciding set, Wilkes took a commanding 8-2 lead over the Warriors which earned them the switch. Lycoming responded with a 6-2 run of their own to close the gap, but refusing to give up, the Colonels put up a 5-2 run to earn them the set win, 15-10.

Leading the Colonel offense was Leon who tallied 22 kills on the night, as well as adding four blocks for Wilkes.  Rachael Anderson (Canmore, AB/West Island College) led the passing game with 23 assists with Maddy Durfee (Buffalo, NY/Attica) right behind her with 22 assists. Durfee and Leon each recorded two aces on the night.

Lycoming's offense was led by Emi Wenger, Charlene Petreshock, and Kamryn Skeith who all recorded 12 kills on the night. Skeith also led the passing game with 26 assists while Wenger recorded 23 digs for the Warriors. 

The Colonels continue conference play as they travel to Huntingdon, Pa. Saturday, Oct. 25, to face #5 Juniata College at 12:00p.m.