(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The penultimate match of the season saw Wilson come up short against Penn State Harrisburg on Tuesday evening. While the Nittany Lions took the contest in three sets, the Phoenix made them work every bit for it as they nearly took the second and third sets.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 0, Penn State Harrisburg 3 (25-13, 25-21, 25-23)
Venue: Gannett Memorial Field House
Records: Wilson 4-19, 3-6 UE; Penn State Harrisburg 16-7, 7-2 UE
How It Happened
- Both teams went back-and-forth to open the night. While Harrisburg jumped ahead 7-3, the Phoenix scored four of the next five to get within one and forced the visitors to call timeout. The break worked for the Nittany Lions who went on to score the next eight points. They retained momentum throughout en route to a 1-0 set lead.
- The Phoenix came out recharged in the second frame which became apparent after a mini 3-0 run early after a pair of kills from Allyson Garcelon (Jr., Shrewsbury, Pa. / Susquehannock) helped put them up 5-4. A kill and an ace from Deah Menedis (Sr., Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin) later made it 8-6. Wilson appeared even more in control as an 8-1 run put them up 16-8 after kills from Alison Daniels (FY, Lititz, Pa. / Warwick), Niki Schussler (Sr., Chambersburg, Pa. / Cumberland Valley Christian), Garcelon, and Abby Moreland (So., Sabillasville, Md. / Catoctin). The Nittany Lions slowly chipped away and eventually took a 22-20 lead after a 7-0 run. Wilson scored the next point on a Moreland swing, but Harrisburg closed the set after the next three points.
- A Schussler kill and a Moreland ace help the Phoenix jump out to a 4-1 lead to start the third. Menedis scored an additional pair while Garcelon served an ace for a 7-4 lead. Moreland scored on another pair of swings in a 5-1 run to give Wilson a 13-10 lead before Harrisburg charged ahead on an 8-0 rally. Wilson was able to tie it four more times and as late as 23-all after a Moreland attack, but the Nittany Lions closed out the night with kills on the next two plays.
Inside The Numbers
- Menedis and Garcelon both had strong nights with eight kills each. Garcelon did so on 16 total attempts for a success rate of .375 and added eight assists. Menedis boosted her stat line with five digs.
- Moreland provided some added depth offensively with seven kills.
- Addie Hebert (So., Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg) led the team defensively with eight digs.
- Camryn Wettstone led all players with 11 kills.
Up Next
The Phoenix will have a back-to-back to close the regular season which starts with a road trip to Hood on Friday. First serve with the Blazers is set for 7 p.m.
