(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The Wilson women's volleyball season got underway as the Phoenix hosted Eastern Mennonite in front of a packed house on Tuesday evening. While the Phoenix came up short, they gave the Royals all they could handle while falling in four sets.
The Basics
Scores: Wilson 1, Eastern Mennonite 3 (25-20, 25-9, 22-25, 25-16)
Venue: Gannett Field House
Records: Wilson 0-1, Eastern Mennonite 1-2
How It Happened
- The Phoenix started off the night on fire by scoring the first five points en route to a 7-1 lead. Michaela Windisch (Jr., Westminster, Md. / Catoctin) set an early tone with an ace on the second point while Alison Daniels (So., Lititz, Pa. / Warwick) added a kill later in the run. EMU eventually clawed back and tied the set at 9-all before taking a 13-11 lead. Wilson regrouped and scored the next five points thanks to more excellent serving from Windisch that saw her tally a pair of aces. Unfortunately the Royals regained control and went on a 12-4 run down the stretch to take the first set.
- Although the Phoenix opened up a 3-2 lead thanks to kills from Allyson Garcelon (Sr., Shrewsbury, Pa. / Susquehannock) and Abby Moreland (Jr., Sabillasville, Md. / Catoctin), Eastern Mennonite quickly took control with an 8-0 run. Wilson chipped away and eventually made it an 11-8 separation before the Royals scored all but one point the rest of the frame to take a 2-0 lead.
- Wilson was able to turn things around in the third with another strong start as it opened a 6-2 lead. EMU bounced back with another 8-0 run and pushed its lead to 19-12 before the Phoenix answered with a 7-0 run to pull even. Windisch added another aces while Garcelon hit consecutive kills to aid the run along. The Royals scored three of the next four, but the Phoenix remained composed and closed out the frame by scoring the final five points with Masalyna Miller (FY, Greencastle, Pa. / Greencastle-Antrim) laying down an ace to force the fourth.
- Momentum appeared to stay in favor of Wilson to start the fourth with a 4-1 start. Kills by Garcelon and Ashlynn Babbitt (FY, Edenton, N.C. / John A Holmes) helped make it a 7-4 contest before the Royals went on a 6-1 run. Although a Phoenix push put the hosts back in front 15-13, Eastern Mennonite closed the contest with a 12-1 run.
Inside The Numbers
- The Phoenix featured a balanced attack that saw Moreland lead the front line with eight kills. She was also effective on the defensive side with 12 digs.
- Garcelone and Daniels each added five kills and were one and two digs away from double digits, respectively.
- Alexis Landis (FY, Parkesburg, Pa.) had a strong night defensively as she rejected four Royals attempts with two of the blocks being solo. Garcelon added two blocks as well.
- Windisch finished the night with five aces.
Up Next
The Phoenix head to the Steel City for a trio of weekend games. First up will be Carlow on Friday night. First serve with the Celtics is set for 6 p.m.
