LANGHORNE, Pa. – Penn State Schuylkill Women's Volleyball fell to NCAA Division III opponent Cairn University in three sets.
Schuylkill found themselves trailing 9-3 at the start of the opening set, shrinking their deficit to five following a kill by Mahea Kelley (Bowie, MD / Bowie). Cairn then took control, going on a run that extended their lead to double digits, which they maintained for the remainder of the set.
Schuylkill showed resilience in the second set. There were seven ties and two lead changes to begin, with the score knotted at 8-8 following a kill by Sydney Morton (Norfolk, VA / Gateway Christian Academy). During this stretch, Morton, Maddy Robinson (Auburn, PA / Blue Mountain), and Addie Stagon (Claysville, PA / McGuffey) combined for seven kills, all assisted by Ava Seltzer (Schuylkill Haven, PA / Schuylkill Haven). Despite their efforts, Cairn managed to break away once again, building a double-digit lead similar to the first set.
Cairn surged ahead to an 18-6 lead to open the third set. Although the game seemed out of reach for Schuylkill, they showed determination by stringing together four consecutive points, highlighted by a kill from Robinson, narrowing the gap to 18-10. Schuylkill continued to fight back, reducing the deficit to seven points following consecutive errors by Cairn.
With Cairn leading 20-12, Ryliegh Sinko (Minersville, PA / Nativity BVM) and Morton sparked a rally with three combined kills that fueled a 5-0 run for Schuylkill, bringing them within three points. Despite Schuylkill's effort, Cairn went on to claim the third set, 25-20.
Morton led Schuylkill with 7 kills. Seltzer finished with 7 assists while Sinko added 6 to go with 7 digs. Kelley led Schuylkill In digs (8) and aces (2).
Schuylkill (1-3 overall, 0-0 PSUAC) will take on Penn State York on Saturday, September 14th in what will be their home opener. Start time for that matchup is 12:00 p.m.
