DALLAS, Pa. – The Susquehanna University women's volleyball team faced a challenging doubleheader Saturday at the Misericordia Tournament, taking on Kean University and host Misericordia University at the Anderson Sports Center. The River Hawks fell in straight sets to Kean before pushing Misericordia to a competitive opening-set finish in a four-set match.
How It Went Down
Kean 3, Susquehanna 0
- Susquehanna opened the day against Kean and faced an early challenge in the opening set. The River Hawks briefly stayed within striking distance, trailing 6-4, but Kean used a strong stretch at the service line to build a 12-4 advantage. Susquehanna worked to close the gap, with kills from Emma Willow, Callie Wince and Camille Ince helping the River Hawks generate offense. Kean maintained its lead, however, and took the first set 25-17.
- The second set was more competitive, as Susquehanna put together a stronger offensive effort. Ince and Makenzie Cober helped lead the attack, while Lauren Halsey distributed the ball with 19 assists in the match. The River Hawks recorded 11 kills in the set and kept the score close, but Kean edged ahead late to claim a 25-21 decision and take a 2-0 match lead.
- Susquehanna continued to battle in the third set, earning 20 points and recording nine kills. Ince, Cober and Addison Dodge remained active offensively, while Callie Wince kept the defense engaged with another strong effort in the back row. Kean ultimately held on to complete the sweep with a 25-20 set victory.
Misericordia 3, Susquehanna 1
- The River Hawks showed a strong response in their second match of the afternoon against host Misericordia, opening with their most productive set of the day. The teams traded points throughout the opening frame, with Susquehanna leaning on its attacking game to stay within reach. Ince and Cober provided key kills, while Wince added a service ace. The River Hawks continued to answer Misericordia's runs, eventually breaking a 27-27 tie with an Ince kill and a service ace to secure a thrilling 29-27 set win.
- Misericordia responded in the second set, using a more efficient offensive performance to even the match. The River Hawks recorded seven kills in the frame, but the Cougars built separation and closed out a 25-19 win to tie the match at one set apiece.
- The third set followed a similar pattern, with Susquehanna continuing to compete but struggling to find the same offensive rhythm it had in the opener. The River Hawks totaled 10 kills, while Misericordia put together 12 and took advantage of its blocking presence to earn another 25-19 victory.
- Susquehanna looked to extend the match in the fourth set, with Ince continuing to lead the attack and Wince providing a spark from the service line. The River Hawks finished with 11 kills in the set, but Misericordia maintained its advantage and closed out the match with another 25-19 decision.
Inside the Box Score
- Camille Ince led Susquehanna in both matches, recording eight kills against Kean before delivering a standout 24-kill performance against Misericordia.
- Ince added four digs against Kean and eight against Misericordia, finishing the second match with 26 total points.
- Makenzie Cober contributed seven kills against Kean and 12 against Misericordia.
- Addison Dodge added five kills against Kean, while Lauren Halsey paced the River Hawks with 19 assists.
- Callie Wince led the defensive effort against Kean with 18 digs.
- Against Misericordia, Wince recorded a team-high 20 digs and added four service aces.
- Halsey finished the Misericordia match with 25 assists, while Abby Madigan added seven assists.
- Susquehanna totaled eight service aces against Misericordia, compared to six for the Cougars.
- The River Hawks recorded 44 kills against Misericordia, including 24 from Ince, and finished with 48 digs as a team.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna turns it attention to Tuesday, November 10, traveling to Elizabethtown College for the Landmark Conference First Round. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
- The River Hawks clinched the sixth and final seed for the Landmark Tournament after beating Drew in five sets last Saturday to earn the last position. The Blue Jays enter the tournament as the third seed.
