By Abby Condon, Staff Writer
Emotions were high as the Susquehanna volleyball team fell 3-0 to rival Juniata in the Landmark Conference Championship on Nov. 9.
“Preparing for conference is usually a bit more strenuous and intense, but we also prepare with the end in mind meaning we prepare all season for the conference championship,” sophomore middle hitter Kody Dillon said. “In doing this, we continuously push ourselves and each other knowing that is our end goal.”
Freshman defensive specialist Lexie Kalligonis shared a similar sentiment.
“We just need to continue to play hard and expect the best out of ourselves, and this season has been so exciting,” she said. “I’m incredibly excited to continue to grow and get better as a team.”
In the first set, the Eagles took control offensively, recording a total of 16 kills for a win of 25-16 with a .364 attack average.
The second set found Susquehanna gaining ground totaling 7 kills losing a close 25-19 to Juniata.
Mounting a comeback for the third set, the River Hawks came out fighting, recording a total of 20 kills to Juniata’s 15 to take the lead at one point in time during the set.
The score was tied at 24-24 and the River Hawks put themselves in the position to force extra points but were unable to convert the set to a win, losing 24-26 to the Eagles despite compiling a .295 attack percentage in this set.
Leading the team with defensive digs of 14 was freshman outside hitter Rosina Esposito.
Senior defensive specialist Kasey Bost and senior setter Lindsey Pugh each contributed seven digs a piece over the course of the three-set match.
Helping Susquehanna down the middle with blocks were junior right-side hitter Sydney Portale with four, senior middle hitter Veronica Kirchner adding three, and Dillon with 2.
Tallying 10 kills on offense was Esposito while Dillon also contributed with seven kills. Portale added six kills as well.
With a season record of 31-6, the River Hawks have received an at-large bid for the NCAA Division III Volleyball Regional Championship. The team will next play Westminster College on Nov. 15 at Johns Hopkins University.
