Edinboro, Pa. - With its seventh straight win, the Edinboro University volleyball team recorded a 3-2 victory (25-17, 25-20, 13-25, 21-25, 15-9) over University of Pittsburgh Johnstown on Saturday afternoon at McComb Fieldhouse. With today's win the Fighting Scots improved to (11-1) overall and (4-0) in PSAC West competition. The Mountain Cats fall to (9-3) overall and (2-2) in the PSAC West.
Bella Burrelli was impressive on the offensive attack, she led the team with 18 kills Abby Monn contributed 12 in the game and now has surpassed 100 kills on the season
Natalie Pallone and Sally Sterkel each added seven kills of their own
Alicia Eldredge impacted the offense in many ways, Eldredge led the team with 50 assists and also contributed three service aces
Edinboro remained effective on defense, the Fighting Scots came away with 99 digs and seven blocks
Carly Pry led the way with 26 digs, Burrelli added 21 and Eldredge had 17 of her own
In the blocks department, Edinboro was effective with stopping UPJ's attack, Pallone, Burrelli and Sterkel each had two solo blocks
In the first set, UPJ came out with the first strike leading 5-9. Edinboro then went on a four-point run serviced by Monn to tie it up 9-9. Later in the set Edinboro went on another run that was fueled by kills from Eldredge and Pallone. Burrelli capped off the first set with a solo block, Edinboro won the first set 25-17.
The second set was more competitive, the attack from each team was about even was Edinboro producing 13 kills and UPJ with 12. Edinboro was still dominate, the score in the second set was only tied once when it was 2-2. Edinboro from then on never turned back with the lead. Edinboro ended the set by rattling off three straight points. Edinboro won the second set 25-20.
In the third set, there was an immense momentum shift in the game. Suddenly UPJ gained the advantage. UPJ had a hitting percentage of .361 compared to Edinboro's .091. Midway through the set, UPJ gained full control of the set. UPJ ended the set by going on a 13-4 run and won the set 13-25.
The fourth set was similar to the third set in terms of momentum for UPJ. Edinboro recorded 16 kills in the set, which was the best all afternoon for the team. UPJ also produced their most kills out of any set with 19. Late in the set, the score was tied 18-18 until UPJ went on a four-point run that was fueled by four kills from Lauren Gechter of the Mountain Cats. UPJ won the fourth set 21-25.
The fifth and final set Edinboro meant business. The Fighting Scots never tied or trailed in the final set against UPJ. Out of Edinboro's 15 points, eight were kills. The biggest point of the set was when Edinboro went on an impressive five-point run which put them up 13-5. The final point of the match was a kill by Burrelli, which was assisted by Eldredge. Edinboro won the final set 15-9.
Edinboro will be back in action on Oct. 5, when they travel to play Gannon University at 7 p.m.
