Volleyball surges past York in three

Hazleton, Pa. - The Lady Lions improved to a record of 5-3 on Wednesday night, eclipsing Penn State York by scores of 25-11, 25-17 and 25-8. Hazleton utilized 15 service aces while taking full advantage of their opponents's miscues to get the job done. 

Hazleton scored 11 of the final 14 points in the first frame to take early control of the match, but all that would change in the second. York and Hazleton would go back and forth to start the second stanza until a four point run behind the serve of senior libero Lauren Nietz (Coaldale, Pa.) gave Hazleton a 15-10 edge in the set. York would keep pace with Hazleton to finish out the set but ultimately the Lions would net 15 points off York miscues to come out on top and take firm control of the match. 

The Lady Lions would sail through the final frame. An eight point run by freshman Chakoya Allen (Hanover Twp, Pa.) helped the Lady Lions build a 14-4 advantage but it was senior Hailey Trasacco (Hamden, Ct.) who put the nail in the coffin. Trassacco reeled off seven straight aces, part of a nine point Hazleton run that essentially closed out the match. 

Trasacco finished the night with one block and a pair of kills but her efforts would net 10 of Hazleton's 15 aces from the service line Wednesday night. Sophomore's Chelsey Dominguez (Bronx, Ny.) and Samaya Hornsby (Richmond, Ca.) would total four kills each to lead the team while freshman Alessandra Banta (Coatesville, Pa.) led the squad with 11 assists.

Next up: The win moves Hazleton into a tie for second place in the Penn State University Athletic Conference's eastern conference and the Lady Lions will look to keep the ball rolling as conference play continues. Hazleton will square off with local rival Penn State Schuylkill on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium.