WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – After going down 2-1 in the first three sets, the Wilkes Women's volleyball team defeated Penn State Abington Nittany Lions in a thrilling 3-2 match at the Marts Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Colonels improve to a 9-5 record, while Penn State Abington falls to a 8-3 record.
In the first set, the Nittany Lions went on a four-point surge, putting Wilkes down early in the match. After going down 19-9 in the set, the Colonels found a much needed spark with vital service aces from
Mia Leon (Ponce, PR/Caribbean). Wilkes remained in the fight and was able to battle out of the deficit, securing the set 26-24.
In the second set, the Nittany Lions and Colonels were tied 20-20. Wilkes was unable to push back against Penn State Abington's incessant offense, with the Nittany Lions taking the set 27-25. The second and third sets were more of the same with Wilkes and Penn State Abington trading points in toe-to-toe sets. Wilkes attempted to take the set with a service ace from
Charlize Leukus (York haven, PA/Red Land) and a kill from Dornblaser, but it did not prove to be enough.
Despite Penn State Abington taking the second and third set, Wilkes did not show fear in the fourth set. Emilee Atherhoult and Leon were all over the floor as they kept the Colonels in the match with major kills. The set ended in an eight-point surge from Wilkes, securing the set in a dominant performance 25-13.
Wilkes started the final set off strong, leading 5-1 with major kills from
Kendra Kalp (Somerset, PA/Rockwood) and Leon. The Nittany Lions could not answer Wilkes' strong offense, as
Abby Dornblaser (Gilbertsville, PA/Boyertown) put the nail in the coffin with a kill. The Colonels secured the set 15-8, taking the match 3-2.
Leon led the team with a career high of 29 kills along with four service aces.
Annalyse Santowasso (Middlesex, NJ/Rutgers Prep) completed the match with 20 digs, Dornblaser followed closely behind with 19. Emilee Atherhoult was a dominant force, securing a career high in blocks with six.
The Colonels return to the Marts Center on Wednesday, September 30 against Gwynedd Mercy University. The match will begin at 7 p.m. respectively.
