PITTSFORD, NY- Juniata traveled up to New York State to participate in the Golden Flyer Invitational on the campus of Nazareth College on Friday. In the Eagles' first match, Juniata needed five sets but was able to come away with a 3-2 victory over Johnson and Wales (RI).
The Wildcats controlled the first set as they won 25-14. Juniata trailed 17-13 but Johnson and Wales would outscore the Eagles 8-1 to go ahead 1-0 in the match. JC answered in the second set as it got out to a 10-3 lead. The Eagles' advantage grew to 23-11 and despite being outscored 5-3, was able to win the frame 25-16 and tie the match at one set each apiece.
In the third set, Juniata got out to a 9-5 lead. Johnson and Wales came back to tie the set at 15-15. The Eagles were one point away to winning the frame at 24-20 but the Wildcats proved to be resilient in rallying with four straight points to tie at 24-24. The teams traded points and at 26-26, JC was able to take the match with a kill from Sean Cavanagh (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) and an error on the Wildcats.
Johnson and Wales led the fourth set from the first point to the last. Its lead was as much as 21-14 and the Eagles cut it to 23-21. The Wildcats picked up two kills in the end for the win and forced a deciding fifth set. In that set, Juniata was in control as it had leads of 9-5 and 12-6 and took down the Wildcats 15-9.
Quinn Peterson (Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge) had a solid outing as he put down 19 kills and seven digs while hitting .389. Kyle Seeley (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) added 11 kills and had three total blocks. Matt Vasinko (Loyalhanna, Pa./Derry Area) contributed eight kills, four service aces, seven digs, and two assisted blocks. Chris Heron (Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View) tallied 14 digs. Michael Young (Westlake Village, Calif./Westlake Village) had 47 assists.
The nightcap featured a battle with host Nazareth. The Eagles gave their hosts a fight but ultimately fell by the score of 3-1.
Naz had the lead throughout the first set but it was never by more than five points. Juniata was within two points of tying, 20-18, but the Golden Flyers edged out the Eagles 5-3 down the stretch to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
Juniata could not get a rhythm going in the second frame as Nazareth took it 25-17. The Eagles turned the tables in the third set at they got out to a 9-4 lead. JC was up 24-16 but the Golden Flyers rallied with four straight points to climb their way back in. The threat ended on a service error and JC was able to win 25-20.
The Eagles looked to win the fourth frame as they led 13-12. Naz surged past JC with an 8-3 run to go on top 20-16. Juniata kept pace and was able to tie at 22-22. The Golden Flyers, however, picked up the last three points to win 25-22 and claim the match.
Peterson led with 15 kills and chipped in six digs while Seeley added eight kills and two blocks. Young finished with 33 assists and eight digs.
Juniata finishes the Invitational with Medaille College tomorrow afternoon. Match time is schedule for 1:00 p.m.