Wilkes Women's Volleyball Falls to Penn State Abington in Straight Sets

ABINGTON, Pa. – The Wilkes women's volleyball was bested by Penn State Abington on Tuesday afternoon, losing in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-23) at the Abington Athletic Building.

The Colonels fall to 9-5 overall while Abington improves to 6-4.

At the start of the first set, Wilkes found themselves in a hole 11-4, but was able to close the gap to get within three points of the Lions. Despite a 4-1 and 5-1 run, Penn state refused to give up the lead and took the set 25-23.

The Colonels jumped to 4-3 to start the second set, but the Lions put up four unanswered points to take the lead. Wilkes stayed close to Penn State and with help from Mia Leon (Ponce, PR/Caribbean) putting down three consecutive kills, the Colonels got within one point of the Lions (13-14). Penn State swung the momentum back to their side with a 4-0 run, and finished the set 25-17.

Wilkes battled with Penn State in the third set, and with a 9-4 run, pushed the Colonels into the lead (20-18). Ava Wahlers (Coudersport, PA/Coudersport), Kendra Kalp (Somerset, PA/Rockwood), and Leon all recorded kills in the run with Annalyse Santowasso (Middlesex, NJ/Rutgers Prep) adding a service ace. The Lions responded with their own 6-3 run to end the set 25-23.

Leading the Colonels' attack was Leon with 12 kills and Wahlers with 7 kills. At the net, Emilee Atherholt (Coudersport, PA/Coudersport) and Leon put up two blocks each. Rachael Anderson (Canmore, AB/West Island College) led the passing with 17 assists while Kalp put up 14 digs and Santowasso right behind her with 13.

The Lions' offense was led by Zayna Jamaladdin while Hailey Revak recorded 13 assists. Fabiola Medina led Penn State's defense with 18 digs.

Wilkes women's volleyball returns to action on Saturday, September 27, where they host Penn State Altoona and Bard College at the Marts Center at 12:00p.m. and 4:00p.m.