Volleyball wraps up season with perfect week heading into playoffs

On Friday, Nov. 13, the Lady Raiders traveled to Kutztown University, where they won a hard fought battle against the Bears.

Shippensburg University lost the first set to Kutztown 15-25, but rallied back in the second set to beat the Bears 25-19.

Shippensburg experienced a slow start in the third set, but were almost able to catch up to Kutztown when they went on a six-point run against the Bears. However, Kutztown pulled away for the win with a final set score of 20-25.

Shippensburg came out strong in the fourth set and was able to conquer the Bears 25-17.

In the fifth and final set of the night, things were looking grim for the Raiders when Kutztown reached an 11-4 lead. It was at this point in the set that the Lady Raiders dug deep and caught up to the Bears, evening the score at 15-15. The two teams battled back and forth until the Raiders finally pulled ahead for the win, 17-15.

Taylor Gottshall ended the night with eight kills and five blocks and Courtney Malott assisted the team with six kills, three blocks and four aces.

Maura Nolan led the team with 44 assists and Maria Peluso held her own on defense with 33 digs. Overall, Shippensburg ended the night with 52 kills and 10 service aces.

Shippensburg wrapped up the weekend with another win on Saturday, Nov. 14, against East Stroudsburg University.

Although it was a three-set match, the Raiders had to battle the Warriors to two 27-25 sets until they got into their groove in the third set, where they finished the match 25-13.

Morgan DeFloria and Gottshall led Shippensburg in kills with 10 each. Faith Athey racked up eight kills along with two blocks. Maria Peluso also had a great performance, leading the team with 29 digs and three aces. Junior setter Nolan ended the day with 38 assists.

The Raiders ended their final match of the weekend with a total of 45 kills and only 14 errors.

The weekend concluded the SU volleyball team’s regular season. PSAC playoffs begin today at 7 p.m. in Heiges Field House where the Lady Raiders will face West Chester University in the first round.