Hazleton falls in three sets to King's College

Hazleton, Pa. -  The Lady Lions improved their play throughout the home opener on Monday night versus King's College, however the tough draw against the NCAA Division III opponent became apparent as the Monarchs went on to sweep Hazleton three sets to none by scores of 25-10, 25-11, and 25-13.

Hazleton was out-hit in this one by a margin of 17 in the kills category accompanied 26 attack errors from the Lady Lions as King's reeled off points in large chunks. The Monarchs racked up seven different runs of five points or more, building solid leads in each of the three sets. Hazleton kept within striking distance in set number three following a three point run featuring a kill by freshman RosaLydia Caputo and two service aces by freshman Isabel Sanlate. But with the score at 14-10 in favor of the Monarchs, the visitors would go on notch 11 of the next 14 points to close out the match with a 3-0 sweep.

King's got a combined 23 kills from hitters Meg O'brien, Kayla Sondberg and Christie Brown, part of a Monarch attack who totaled a .271 hitting percentage on the night. Caitlyn Pepper dished out 18 of King's 31 total assists, leading all passers in the winning effort.

The Lady Lions made quality strides on Monday night as the conference season approaches. Leading the way for Hazleton was freshman outside hitter Payton Fogarty with six kills on the night with veteran junior Abby Bessoir turning in a solid performance with four kills, six assists and five digs respectively. Sophomore setter Ally Banta registered a team high seven assists and freshman Caitlyn Williams led the squad with 15 digs from the libero spot to round out Hazleton's top performers. 

Next up: PSUAC action gets underway on Wednesday, September 11 when the Lady Lions host 2018 eastern division champions, Penn State Brandywine. First serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Dr. Thomas M. Cacesse Gymnasium.