ELIZABETHTOWN, PA. – The Susquehanna University women's volleyball team saw its 2026 season come to a close Tuesday evening, falling 3-1 to third-seeded Elizabethtown College in the Landmark Conference Tournament First Round at Thompson Gymnasium. The River Hawks battled throughout the night, capturing the opening set before the Blue Jays rallied to take the next three and advance to the Landmark Conference Semifinals.
Susquehanna finishes the season with an 8-21 overall record and a 4-5 mark in Landmark Conference play, capping off a season highlighted by determination, growth, and a return to the conference postseason.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna came out with plenty of energy in the opening set, going toe-to-toe with the Blue Jays in a competitive back-and-forth battle. The River Hawks established their offensive rhythm early, spreading the ball around and finding success at the net. With the set tightening down the stretch, Susquehanna held its composure through a late Elizabethtown rally. After seeing its lead trimmed, the River Hawks responded to a 21-21 tie by winning four of the final six points to secure a 25-23 opening-set victory. Camille Ince and Addison Dodge provided key offensive production as Susquehanna took the early advantage.
- Elizabethtown responded in the second set, using a more efficient offensive attack to even the match. The Blue Jays finished with 11 kills in the set while limiting Susquehanna to nine. The River Hawks struggled to find the same offensive consistency from the opening frame, as Elizabethtown took advantage to claim a 25-17 win and even the match at one set apiece.
- The third set featured another competitive stretch, with both teams battling for control. Susquehanna continued to work through its offensive options, but Elizabethtown's defensive presence at the net began to make an impact. The Blue Jays recorded eight kills and benefited from 11 Susquehanna attack errors to pull away late. Elizabethtown took the set 25-20 to move within one set of advancing.
- With its season on the line, Susquehanna continued to fight in the fourth set. The River Hawks put together another determined effort, collecting nine kills and 47 total attacks while looking to force a deciding fifth set. However, Elizabethtown maintained its advantage and used a balanced offensive performance to close out the match with a 25-17 fourth-set victory, ending the River Hawks' postseason run.
Inside the Box Score
- Senior outside hitter Camille Ince led the Susquehanna attack with 16 kills on 46 attempts, adding nine digs and three block assists to finish with a team-high 17.5 points.
- Addison Dodge contributed 10 kills while hitting an impressive .370, committing just one attack error on 27 attempts. She also led the River Hawks with five total blocks, including two solo blocks, and finished with 13.5 points.
- Emma Willow added six kills and two block assists, while Makenzie Cober also recorded six kills and contributed five digs.
- Lauren Halsey directed the Susquehanna offense with 30 assists, adding 14 digs and a kill.
- Callie Wince anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 33 digs. She also contributed six assists and two service aces.
- Abby Madigan paced the River Hawks from the service line with three aces, while Ella Lefelon added four block assists to help Susquehanna finish with 10 total team blocks.
- As a team, Susquehanna finished with 43 kills, 40 assists, six service aces, 10 blocks, and 77 digs. The River Hawks matched Elizabethtown in total kills and outperformed the Blue Jays in digs and assists.
A Season to Remember
- Tuesday's result brings the River Hawks' season to a close, but not without plenty to celebrate. Susquehanna secured the sixth and final spot in the Landmark Conference Tournament with a thrilling five-set victory over Drew on October 31, earning its 18th appearance in the conference postseason. The River Hawks also posted Landmark victories over Goucher, Wilkes and Lycoming.
