Offense sputters in return to action at Penn State Wilkes-Barre

Lehman, Pa. – Penn State Hazleton (4-17, 4-11 PSUAC) traveled north on Wednesday for their first match in six days to face Penn State University Athletic Conference opponent PSU Wilkes-Barre (10-7, 9-7 PSUAC). Troubled by the hard-hitting front line of their local rival, the Lady Lions fell in straight sets, 3-0.

The Lions were all square at 8-8 in the first set, but Hazleton found themselves playing nothing but defense against a potent Wilkes-Barre attack. Wilkes-Barre would break the tie, and go on a 17-3 run to take set one by a score of 25-11. Hazleton responded in set two carrying a four point advantage through the majority of the frame, but Wilkes-Barre was able to rattle the Lions with a late run to tie the score at 20-20. Both teams traded points until the home team pulled away in extra points to take the set 27-25 over Hazleton. Wilkes-Barre carried that momentum into the final set, pulling away from Hazleton 15-5 early in the frame. Plagued by poor service receptions and sets placed tight to the net, Hazleton was unable to mount any offense until the damage had been done. The Lions fell in the final frame 25-15, losing the match 3-0 to Wilkes-Barre.

Freshman Hailey Trasacco (Hamden, Ct.) led Hazleton with three kills and two services aces, while teammate Miranda Dunne (Montrose, Pa.) added four assists in the match.

Next up: The Lady Lions return home for their final match of the season. Hazleton will take on Penn State Lehigh Valley on Friday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium.