Penn State Beaver Drops a Non-Conference Game to Franciscan University

September 3, 2011

Monaca, PA - The Penn State Beaver Lady Lions (0-4, 0-0 PSUAC) suffered a non-conference loss to the Lady Barons of Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH), 3-0.

In the first set, Beaver found themselves down early by a score of 19-5 margin. However, a Rachel Grubbs (Freeport/Sarver, PA) kill began a long Lions rally. Behind strong play from Ella Epps (Penn Hills/Pittsburgh,PA), Kayona Ward (Beaver Falls/Beaver Falls, PA) the Lady Lions cut the lead to an 11 point deficit. Despite scoring 10 of the last 15 set points, Franciscan took the set 25-17.

The second set started out much like the first with Beaver trailing early. A block by Ward lead cut the FUS lead to 17-6. Consecutive kills by Grubbs and Jenn Fannin (Harbor Creek/Erie, PA) cut the gap to 8 points. FUS proved to be too much, as they took the set 25-13.

The Lady Lions came alive in the third set, as they took a early 3-1 lead on a Grubbs block. Miscues by the Lady Barons kept the Lady Lions with a slim 7-5 lead. Unfortunately, the Lady Barons took control to win the set 25-14, sweeping the match, 3-0.

For the match, Grubbs lead the team with 4 kills, while Gina Richman (Union/Edinburg, PA) lead with 5 assist and Epps had 8 digs to lead the team.

Beaver will look for its first win of the season against LaRoche College (Pittsburgh, PA) at home on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7pm.