Edinboro, Pa. - The Edinboro University volleyball team was victorious in three sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-15) over Slippery Rock University, in a PSAC West match up on Saturday afternoon at McComb Fieldhouse in Edinboro, PA. With the win the Fighting Scots improved to (21-5) overall and (13-3) in the PSAC West. The Rock finish the season at (5-25) overall and (1-15) in conference play.
The offensive attack for Edinboro was balanced with junior Bella Burrelli leading the way, Burrelli finished with nine kills and hit at a .320 clip
Burrelli was followed by three teammates who each finished with eight kills in a balanced attack, senior Sally Sterkel hit at a .467 clip, along with sophomore Natalie Pallone hitting at a .278 clip and finally freshman Abby Monn hit at a .136 clip
For the fourth time all season Edinboro recorded nine or more service aces, Burrelli and freshman Carly Pry paced the Scots when they both finished with three aces
Senior Alicia Eldredge was dominant as she finished with a game-high 32 assists, as well as a game-high 12 digs on defense
Sterkel paced Edinboro with a team-high four blocks, as she was followed by Monn, Pallone, and junior Erica Sharp who each finished with two blocks
In the opening set of the match Edinboro came out on fire and won the first set 25-15. On the attack the Scots recorded 15 kills while hitting at an efficient .481 clip. Right away Edinboro jumped out to an early 9-4 lead. Edinboro controlled the momentum with four aces out of the nine early points. Later in the set Edinboro put together another run off Monn's service. The run consisted of three kills from Sterkel and Burrelli, along with an ace by Monn. The run put Edinboro ahead 15-6, as they proceeded to win the first set.
In the second set, Edinboro would continue their dominance and win the set 25-18. Pallone recorded four kills in the second set, as Edinboro finished with 16 total at a .282 clip. Edinboro was up 15-11 when they went on a run to extend the lead midway through the set. The run was initiated by Pry's service, and included two kills from Pallone and an ace by Pry. Edinboro was now ahead 18-11 and was able to pull away and win the second set.
The third and final set Edinboro turned it up a notch on defense, and won the set 25-15. The Scots held the Rock to a -.043 hitting percentage and only allowed seven kills. In the final set Edinboro put together one final run to ensure a win. The run came from Monn's service and consisted of six-straight points, including two kills from Sterkel, a kill from Burrelli, and an ace from Monn. Edinboro was up 15-6 after the run and never looked back. The 25-15 advantage in the third set was enough for Edinboro to complete the 3-0 sweep.
Up Next
With Edinboro's win over Slippery Rock, the Scots have clinched a share of the regular season PSAC West title with Gannon. Edinboro is the second seed in the PSAC West as they host third seed Clarion on Tuesday, Nov. 16 in the first round of the PSAC tournament, the time is still to be determined.
