HUNTINGDON, PA- The Juniata women's volleyball team began their four game home stretch to close out the regular season with a convincing 3-0 sweep of the Drew University Rangers on a special Friday night: senior night. The seven seniors, one junior and graduate student-athletes on the team were honored prior to the start of the match for all they have contributed in a historic era for Juniata College women's volleyball.
The strong performance was led by many of those seniors, as well as several junior, sophomore, and first year players. It was another well-rounded team effort by Juniata.
In set one, the Eagles started well, maintaining a small lead for the first few points. Drew then tied the game twice at 8-8 and 9-9 before Juniata regained the lead, this time by a larger margin. A 7-2 run gave the Eagles an 18-12 lead which Drew were unable to come back from. Just like how they started the set, the Eagles finished strong winning the last four points in a row for a 25-16 set win. The final point came from a kill by Courtney Williams.
The Eagles won seven out of the first ten points in set two. That 7-3 lead was closed down quickly though, as the Rangers came within one point at 7-6, 8-7, and at 9-8. The Eagles stayed strong though, never letting the Rangers lead in the set. A 10-3 run in the middle of the set gave the Eagles a comfortable cushion to see out their lead. They won the set 25-15 on a service ace by Abbey Telesz.
In set three, the first ten points were split evenly, as the game was tied at 5-5. The first ten points were a good indication of how the set would unfold, as neither team was really able to gain any separation. The Eagles had edged forward with a 12-10 lead mid-way through the set, but the Rangers stayed close and kept winning points. That was, until the Eagles went on a strong 9-1 run to end the set, as they have done so many times this season. Set three ended by the same scoreline as set two, 25-15. Set three also ended with a Juniata service ace, however this time it came from Sydney Ohl.
Mia Schubert led the Eagles in kills on the night with 14 while Telesz made 24 assists. Telesz also led in digs with seven, although several Eagles contributed in that category. Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez also added five service aces on the night.
The Eagles will now turn the page to Saturday where they will host Scranton University at 2:00 p.m in their final Landmark Conference matchup of the regular season.
