WPU Falls in Conference Opener to Clarke

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Dubuque–The Statesmen women’s volleyball team opened up conference play Tuesday as it took on the Clarke Pride. Unfortunately, the squad was not able to keep up with the Clarke attack and was swept in straight sets (21-25, 19-25, 19-25).

WPU (5-4, 0-1 Heart) was outhit by the Pride (9-2, 1-0 Heart) .381-.120.

Despite a subpar hitting performance, the Statesmen managed to hang around and compete with Clarke throughout every set but ultimately fell in all three.

The duo of Corrin Lepper (Fr., Jefferson City, Mo., Exercise Science) and Danielle Pendzinski (Jr., Winnebago, Ill., Elementary Education) led the attack on offensive for the navy and gold each tallying eight kills. Jordan Carter (Sr., Sigourney, Iowa, Elementary Education) had six kills of her own.

Marie Garcia (Sr., Kaneohe, Hawaii, Communications) assisted on 13 points, while Haley Smith (Sr., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) nearly matched her with 12.

Defensively, Haley Vampran (Sr., Fort Worth, Texas, Exercise Science) recorded 12 digs with Ashley Miller (Sr., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) finishing with nine.

Next Up: William Penn will hold its home opener on Thursday, hosting Hannibal-LaGrange at 7 p.m.