Madeline Dorobiala
Staff Writer
The Franciscan University women’s volleyball team raised their winning streak to five by defeating Penn State Beaver 3-0 Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
The Barons dominated the beginning of the first set when graduate outside hitter Mary Jean Cadman made a kill assisted by senior, libero Sara Moore. Cadman continued to make a series of kills with the Barons taking a 4-0 lead. The Barons’ strong communication during the beginning of the first set helped create a potent offense against Penn State Beaver.
Freshman outside hitter Ava King subbed at the end the set assisting sophomore middle hitter Tessa Miller, keeping up the Barons’ wall of defense.
Graduate student setter Grace Wallace assisted sophomore setter Mary Smart shortly after the serve at the end of the first set. The Barons took the lead 25-10.
The Barons had an impressive save at the beginning of the second set when senior defensive specialist Meghan Hickey ran out to maintain the volley and was successful. They continued to move quickly and kept tight offensive control.
There was an equally rhythmic offense provided by both teams in the middle of the second set. Junior outside hitter Gabrielle Disselkamp assisted Moore, defending the Barons at the end of the second set. The Barons won the second set 25-10.
The Barons started the beginning of the third set strong, continuing their offensive approach.
Junior defensive specialist Mary Updike started the set with a series of fluid serves. Updike was assisted in her second serve by Cadman’s kill with the Barons taking a 2-0 lead.
The Barons maintained their strong defense in the third set despite Penn State’s renewed offense. Sophomore outside hitter Angela Sweeney consistently made offensive advances throughout the third set as the Barons made 15-5 lead.
The Barons subbed people throughout the game and continued to make effective plays which ultimately burned-out Penn State Beaver’s smaller roster, taking a 3-0 win.
“We have been trying to push our limit a little this season offensively with faster tempo sets and incorporating more offensive plays to keep the defense guessing,” said head coach Jennifer Hickey prior to the game.
The Baron’s next home game is Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. against Chatham University.