Erie, Pa.-- The Edinboro volleyball team was defeated by Gannon University (18-25, 23-25, 21-25) on Saturday afternoon inside the Highmark Events Center. With the loss, Edinboro falls to (17-7) overall and (7-5) in conference play.
In three sets played, Gannon recorded nine more kills and three less errors than the Fighting Scots. Edinboro finished with a (.271) hitting percentage compared to the Golden Knight's (.396) clip.
In the opening set Gannon came out hitting with the most efficient set of the afternoon at a (.447) clip with 17 kills. Early in the set Edinboro got things started with back-to-back kills from Erica Sharp and Alicia Eldredge as they went up 5-3. Halfway through set one a Gannon block put the Golden Knights up 13-7. Then Gannon and Edinboro began to trade kills on their respective attacks. Later, back-to-back kills from Bella Burrelli and Natalie Pallone would cut Gannon's lead to just five points. A Golden Knight kill retired the opening set at 25-18 in favor of Gannon.
Edinboro produced their most efficient attack in the second set with a (.314) hitting percentage. Although, Gannon did match the Scots by converting on a match-high 19 kills in the set. After an early lead was initiated by Gannon, the Scots countered with four-straight points off two kills from Pallone and an ace from Burrelli. The run gave Edinboro an 11-10 lead. The Scots continued to fight to keep their slim lead as another kill from Burrelli and an ace from Emelia Rowell now had Edinboro ahead 15-14. Another run with another ace from Burrelli and a kill from Sally Sterkel put Edinboro in the driver seat with a 21-19 lead. The Golden Knights had other plans; Gannon ended the second set on a 7-2 run to win 25-23.
Gannon jumped out to a quick start at the beginning of the third set. Three-straight Golden Knight kills put them ahead 13-8 early. Edinboro then countered with two kills from Pallone and one from Burrelli to get within one point. Later, a run from Edinboro included two aces from Carly Pry and a block shared between Pallone and Sharp. The Fighting Scots' run put them right on the tail of Gannon, as the Golden Knights led 17-16. The set ended with the two PSAC West teams trading points, which wasn't enough for Edinboro. A Gannon kill would retire the set at 25-21 in favor of the Golden Knights.
Edinboro will be back in action next Friday (Oct. 28) when they host California University of Pennsylvania at 6 p.m.
