SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The IUP women's volleyball team continued its impressive run Friday night, extending its winning streak to nine matches with a four-set victory over PSAC West foe Slippery Rock inside Morrow Field House.
After dropping the opening set, the Crimson Hawks responded emphatically to take the next three, winning 25-15, 25-22, 25-14. IUP improved to 2-0 in PSAC West play behind an efficient offensive attack and another dominant defensive performance.
IUP finished the night with 62 kills while hitting better than .300 for just the second time this season. Junior Charlotte Potvin and sophomore Sammy Stephens powered the offense with a match-high 14 kills apiece.
Potvin turned in one of her most efficient performances of the season, hitting a season-best .636 with 14 kills on just 22 attacks.
The Crimson Hawks were equally impressive defensively, limiting Slippery Rock to 34 kills and a .077 hitting percentage. It marked the fifth consecutive match IUP held its opponent below .100 hitting and the sixth time over the last eight matches.
Potvin made her presence felt at the net with six total blocks, including four solo. Stephens added two solo blocks from the right side.
Four Crimson Hawks reached double figures in digs, led by junior Brooke Kessler with 15. Ellie Rauch and Maddie Zechman directed the IUP offense, combining for 48 assists.
Slippery Rock came out strong in the opening set, recording 13 of its 34 kills for the match and holding off IUP for a 25-22 victory.
The response from the Crimson Hawks was immediate.
IUP dominated the second set, 25-15, to even the match before battling through a tighter third frame for a 25-22 victory. The Crimson Hawks closed out the night with a convincing 25-14 win in the fourth to secure their ninth consecutive victory.
Up Next
IUP continues its PSAC West road swing Saturday with a 2 p.m. matchup against Clarion.
The Crimson Hawks and Golden Eagles split their two meetings last season, with the home team winning each match. Clarion enters Saturday on a three-match winning streak and a 2-0 mark in PSAC West play after defeating Pitt-Johnstown, 3-1, on Friday.
