By Brandon Farren
Staff Writer
The Susquehanna volleyball team opened a three-game weekend with a victory over Rochester by scores of 12–1, 25–19, 25 20, and 25–16, and defeated Frostburg State and Messiah to win the Hampton Inn Tournament.
The River Hawks (7-6) gave the Yellow Jackets their first loss of the season.
Susquehanna trailed early but then went on a dominant run that carried them past Rochester in convincing fashion. The team was powered by two small-scoring runs where they scored three and five unanswered points.
Sophomore defensive specialist, Lizzie Herestofa lead the team with 15 digs.
Sophomore right-side hitter Sydney Portale and junior out side hitter Hannah Lyons turned in eight kills each on the day.
Junior setter Lindsey Pugh was also a key contributor to the cause with a team 30 assists in the rout.
The River Hawks had the night to celebrate a great team win, but they were back in action for two more matches on Saturday.
The River Hawks’ dominance continued into Saturday when they dispatched Frostburg state in just three sets.
Lyons racked up 11 kills in this one en route to tournament MVP honors. Another key contributor in this match was Pugh, who dished out 27 assists.
The first game also saw Portale, freshman outside hitter Kody Dillion, and Herestofa all turn in great performances.
The win put the River Hawks just one win away from the Hampton Inn Tournament title. Only Messiah College stood in the way.
Susquehanna would not be denied in their quest for the title as they bounced Messiah in three sets to complete their dominant run through the weekend.
Lyons paced the team yet again with 10 kills. Freshman outside hitter Riley O’Dowd and Sydney Portale weren’t far behind with nine kills each. Pugh continued to facilitate by handing out 28 assists.
They will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 29 when they face conference opponent and rival Juniata. Game time for the River Hawks is at 11 a.m.
Juniata is 8–3 overall and currently ranked sixth in the country according to the latest AVCA DIII Coaches Poll.