Edinboro, Pa.-- The Edinboro volleyball team earned another commanding home win on Friday afternoon against PSAC West conference opponent Pitt-Johnstown in three sets (25-14, 25-14, 27-25). With the win, the Scots improved to (15-4) overall and (5-2) in conference play.
In three sets played, Edinboro recorded 21 more kills and two less errors than the Mountain Cats. Edinboro finished with a (.197) hitting percentage compared to Pitt-Johnstown's (.037) clip.
In the opening set Edinboro held UPJ to a (-.026) hitting percentage as they earned 13 kills on the attack. Early on, two kills from Natalie Pallone and one from Bella Burrelli helped the Scots jump out to a 4-1 lead. Later, four straight points from Edinboro fueled by back-to-back kills from Sally Sterkel extended the Edinboro lead to 18-10. The Scots ended the first set by earning the last six points. This run was boosted by two kills from Alicia Eldredge as well as Jessie Michel. Edinboro won the first set 25-14.
In the second set Edinboro would hold the Mountain Cats to another negative hitting percentage (-.069) and added another 13 kills to the tab. Early in the set a block from Pitt-Johnstown gave them a 5-4 lead. Edinboro countered and ran with the lead after a strong nine-point run off Erica Sharp's service. The run was fueled by kills from Sterkel and Burrelli as Edinboro went up 18-8. The Scots retired the set with three-straight kills from Kasey Smith, Burrelli and Michel. Edinboro won the second set 25-14.
In the third and final set Edinboro recorded a match-high 18 kills. Early on UPJ jumped out to another quick lead as a kill put them ahead 7-4. Pitt-Johnstown continued their momentum with a string of four consecutive points as they led 14-9. The Mountain Cats were determined to avoid elimination until Edinboro came storming back. Three kills from Sharp and one kill from Eldredge enabled Edinboro to gain a 19-18 lead. As the set came winded down the two teams began to trade points. On a potential match point for Edinboro, UPJ came up with a huge block to tie the set at 24-24. Edinboro eventually would prevail off a block split between Sharp and Eldredge for the match point. Edinboro won the third set 27-25.
Edinboro will be back in action on Saturday (Oct. 8) when they host Clarion at 6 p.m.
