Photo Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Hayden Lange
Susquehanna Volleyball took down Gwynedd Mercy 3-1 in their home opener Wednesday night at O.W. Houts Gymnasium.
The River Hawks (4-13 Overall, 1-2 Landmark) came out strong in the first set, with a powerful attack on offense and giving pressure at the net. Susquehanna recorded 17 kills and hit a solid .433 in the first set with help from freshman outside hitter Camille Ince.
“It’s so amazing to get this chance to play on this team and I’m so glad for the opportunity,” Ince said.
This led to the River Hawks pulling away and winning the first set 25-13. The momentum carried into the second set, as Susquehanna kept finding openings in Gwynedd Mercy’s defense. Susquehanna also limited opportunities on offense for the Griffins (2-16).
In the second set Susquehanna recorded 14 kills where Gwynedd Mercy only had six. The River Hawks played strong for the rest of the set, winning 25-13 to take a 2-0 set lead.
In the third set, however, Gwynedd Mercy would turn the tide coming out hot, finding the lead early. The Griffin’s found a rhythm on offense and converted on Susquehanna’s mistakes. Gwynedd Mercy pulled away in the set and secured the win 25-14 to make the match 2-1.
The River Hawks came back strong in the fourth set, finding the rhythm for the offense and recording 14 more kills. Susquehanna controlled the fourth set with a 25-15 win to claim the match victory on the night.
There were several big performances throughout the match. Ince led Susquehanna with 13 kills on the night, while junior middle hitter Addison Dodge put up 10 kills and led the team with six blocks. Senior middle blocker Sami Kline recorded eight kills and four blocks and senior defensive specialist Callie Wince led on defense with 11 digs. Junior setter Lauren Halsey had 27 assists, which put her at 500 career assists and nine digs.
“I’m really proud and I couldn’t have done it without my coaches,” said Halsey.
The River Hawks finished the night with 55 kills, 50 assists, 58 digs and 10 blocks and hit a .325 as a team to secure the win.
Susquehanna will be back at home Friday, Oct 16 against Wilkes University at 7 p.m.