SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University women's volleyball team secured its spot in the Landmark Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon, earning an exciting five-set victory over Drew University, 3-2, inside Orlando W. Houts Gymnasium. The River Hawks took the first two sets, but were forced into a fifth set thanks to a Drew rally, which they overcame to win 15-9 in the deciding frame.
With the victory, Susquehanna improves to 8-17 overall and 4-5 in Landmark Conference play, earning the sixth and final seed for the Landmark Tournament where they'll play at third-seeded Elizabethtown Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna opened the match with a strong performance in the first set, edging Drew 25-23. The River Hawks used a balanced offensive attack and limited their mistakes, recording 12 kills while hitting .300 to take the early advantage.
- The River Hawks carried that momentum into the second set, putting together their most dominant stretch of the afternoon. Susquehanna jumped ahead and controlled the action throughout, earning a convincing 25-15 victory to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
- Drew responded in the third set, finding its rhythm offensively and taking advantage of several Susquehanna errors. Despite recording 15 kills in the frame, the River Hawks were unable to hold off the Rangers, who claimed the set 25-21 to extend the match.
- The visitors continued their push in the fourth set, overcoming Susquehanna's efforts to force a deciding fifth set with another 25-20 victory.
- With the match on the line, the River Hawks delivered when it mattered most. Susquehanna came out firing in the fifth set, recording 13 kills while hitting an impressive .435. The River Hawks controlled the deciding frame from start to finish, closing out the 15-9 victory to secure the 3-2 match win and clinch their Landmark Conference Tournament berth.
Inside the Box Score
- Addison Dodge led all players with a career-high 26 kills, hitting an outstanding .537 while adding four total blocks.
- Camille Ince contributed 15 kills while hitting .385 and added four block assists and two service aces.
- Ella Lefelon delivered a strong performance at the service line, recording a team-high five service aces while adding seven kills and four block assists.
- Lauren Halsey paced the offense with 31 assists, while Emma Nkanza added 24 assists.
- Callie Wince led the defensive effort with 19 digs, while Makenzie Cober contributed 11 digs and Hannah Burdge added 10.
- Susquehanna finished with 65 kills, 13 service aces and 60 assists while hitting .248 as a team.
- The River Hawks' 13 kills and .435 hitting percentage in the decisive fifth set proved to be the difference.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- With their postseason spot secured, the River Hawks turn their attention to the Landmark Conference Tournament. Susquehanna will travel to Elizabethtown College on Tuesday, November 10, for the opening round of the tournament.
- The River Hawks will look to carry Saturday's momentum into the postseason as they begin their pursuit of a Landmark Conference Championship!
