Statesmen Fall in Straight Sets to Saint Mary (Neb.)

William Penn Women’s Athletics

Omaha, Neb.–The William Penn volleyball team could not take advantage of a light week in losing 3-0 to Saint Mary (Neb.) Friday.

The Statesmen (2-7) lost their lone match of the week by scores of 23-25, 24-26, 14-25.

The visitors were outhit .258-.104, but much of that deficit came in the lopsided third set. WPU actually held a .219-.188 edge in the second set.

William Penn led 17-14 in the first go-round before the Flames (4-2) responded with five unanswered and never trailed again. The score evened up at 23-23, but CSM scored the final two for the win.

The Statesmen then stormed out to a 4-1 advantage in set #2. They later led 9-8, but unfortunately the host squad again rallied and stayed on top the remainder of the set. WPU was able to whittle a 23-20 deficit down to a 24-24 tie. However, the Flames again tallied the final two points to take a commanding lead 2-0 lead.

The final set was tight in the beginning (6-5 WPU), but CSM closed the door with little drama. Ahead 17-13, the hosts managed six consecutive points to complete the sweep.

Kylie Giger (Jr., Elkhart, Ind., Exercise Science) led all participants with 14 kills in addition to a .233 attack percentage. Kayce Skocko (Jr., Watsonville, Calif., Business Management) added seven winners, while Leyra Jusino (Jr., Bayamon, P.R., General Biology) tallied a double-double with 28 assists with 11 digs.

Shawni Wills (So., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) served up three aces and Danielle Breeher (Jr., St. Louis, Mo., Undecided) dug 12 CSM attack attempts.

Next Up: William Penn stays in Penn Gymnasium Monday for its home opener, hosting Simpson in non-conference action at 7 p.m.