Beaver splits the day 1-1 in PSUAC Crossover Weekend

By: Matylda Zamudio

Fayette, Pa. -- The Penn State Beaver women's volleyball team were back at Penn State Fayette on Sunday morning for the team's final two matches of PSUAC Crossover Weekend. The Lady Lions started off on a high note in Crossover Weekend, defeating both Penn State York and Penn State Hazleton on Saturday and raising their overall season record to 10-6. Beaver is on a three-game winning streak and looks to extend its record Penn State Lehigh Valley and Penn State Brandywine.

In their first match against Penn State Lehigh Valley, the ladies exuded confidence and took over the game early. Beaver's offense lite up Lehigh Valley's side of the court earning 12 kills in the first set and won the first set by a double-digit deficit of 25-12. In the second set, Lehigh Valley looked shell-shocked by the early set-loss but kept Beaver's lead closer. However, Lehigh Valley couldn't slow-down Beaver's offensive momentum, and Beaver won the set 25-16. Up two sets to one, the Lady Lions looked to close out Lehigh Valley in the third set. Beaver dominated Lehigh Valley on both sides of the court and Lehigh Valley made errors at the net. Beaver took the set 25-13. This win was a collective effort from Beavers roster, including Natalia Slivkanich and Trestena Grant, who contributed kills coming off the bench.

Taking the first three matches in PSUAC Crossover Weekend, Beaver looked to leave with a perfect 4-0 record in the team's final match against Penn State Brandywine. But it was a battle for Beaver and the team's toughest match of the weekend. The teams kept the first set close, but Beave gave up runs and allowed Brandywine to take the tight set (21-25). In the second set, Beaver's offense battled back and earned 12 kills, winning the set 25-23. Then, Beaver kept the third set close but after giving up a run, Brandywine ran off with the set, leaving Beaver's final score in the third, 18-25. Down 2-1 heading into the fourth, Beaver played tough against the formidable conference opponents and the set went back and forth. In the final minute of the set, Brandywine pulled away with the win by the skin of its teeth (24-26), handing Beaver a loss in the final match of the day.

Stephanie Stadjuhar led the offense with 13 kills followed by Brooke Tomasko scored 12 kills. Emily Keener had 38 assists and 3 service aces. On defense, Alexis Albrecht finished with 19 digs and 3 service aces and coming off the bench, Emma Dellinger made a statement with 12 digs and 2 kills.

Now with half the season behind them, the women's volleyball team is on an upswing to capture a playoff spot. Sunday's wins improve Beaver's record to 11-7 overall and the team is scheduled for conference play in the next three games. 

Beaver will host rival Penn State DuBois on Wednesday, Oct. 3 for the team's first of two conference matches of the week. This will be Beaver's second time facing the time. The game begins at 7 p.m.