Home opener brings victory for Volleyball

Home opener brings victory for Volleyball

HAZLETON, Pa. - Although each set played out a little differently, the result of each was the same as Penn State Hazleton swept Luzerne County Community College, 3-0 (25-7, 25-23, 25-15) to pick up a win in their home opener. The victory is also the first college win for head coach Tracy Biehl.

Hazleton (1-1) started fast in the first set and never looked back as they raced out to a 17-4 lead. An 8-3 finish capped off the first set, 25-7. The second set was back and forth throughout as Luzerne took a 4-1 lead early before Hazleton made a 10-3 run. Luzerne battled back to eventually grab a 17-16 lead. The teams traded points until Hazleton grabbed a 23-21 advantage. Despite two late errors, the Lions took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-23 win in set two. 

The third set saw Hazleton trail for much of the first 30 points. The Lions trailed 13-11, but would tie the score at 15 apiece before finishing off the match with a 10-0 run and their first win of the season.

Top Performers

Seniors Miranda Dunne (Montrose, Pa.) and Tina Beiland (Philadelphia, Pa.) each dished out five assists for the Lions while Nicole Barnes (Susquehanna, Pa.) led the way with five kills. Sophomore Hailey Trasacco (Hamden, Ct.) and freshman Rachel Wall (Norfolk, Va.) each added three kills.

Hazleton tallied 13 service aces on the night, with Barnes notching four. Trasacco and Beiland each added three to give the Lions their first non-conference win since sweeping Luzerne in the season opener last year.

Next Up

Hazleton travels to Johnson City, NY to battle USCAA foe Davis College. The Lions look for revenge as the Falcons swept both matches last year. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.