CLARION, Pa. – Despite solid performances, the Crimson Hawks (14-7, 4-3 PSAC) suffered a close defeat as Clarion (10-7, 4-2 PSAC) claimed a 3-1 victory on Friday night at Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium. The set scores were 24-26, 23-25, 25-20, and 19-25.
 
From the beginning, the Crimson Hawks knew tonight's match would be a battle. IUP had an early 3-0 lead with a kill from Peyton Belcher and two service aces from Bailey Flowerdew. Clarion quickly responded, tying the set at 6-6. The teams exchanged points until Clarion pulled ahead 20-17. IUP rallied with a five-point run, highlighted by Simay Memisoglu's contributions of a kill and two service aces. Despite the effort, IUP lost the first set 26-24, with the largest lead only reaching three points.
 
In the second set, both teams enjoyed runs of points until Clarion led 14-12, during which they exchanged 13 consecutive points. IUP struggled to capitalize, dropping the second set 25-23.
 
IUP started strong in the third set, jumping to a 3-0 advantage. After a back-and-forth exchange, IUP established a solid lead at 15-7 and extended it to nine points at 19-10. A crucial block by Jessica Neiman and Rylee Brown boosted the Hawks' confidence. Although IUP was at set point, Clarion managed to score three more points before the Hawks secured the set 25-20.
 
The fourth and final set began with IUP leading 3-1, but the Golden Eagles gradually took control. IUP narrowed the gap to just one point at 10-9, thanks to Belcher's tenth kill of the night. However, Clarion extended their lead to six points, capitalizing on IUP's attacking errors. The Golden Eagles closed out the third set 25-19.
 
On the night, Neiman led the team with 13 kills, followed by Belcher with 10, Potvin and Brown each contributed six, while Memisoglu and Valentic added four apiece. IUP recorded only eight blocks, with three coming from Neiman. Charlotte Potvin showcased an impressive .429 hitting percentage, finishing with six kills.
 
Up Next
IUP returns home on Tuesday for their matchup against Gannon on October 22, beginning at 6:00 p.m. for their cancer awareness night.

Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawks and @IUPVB.