The Gannon University women’s volleyball team opened up home play this season by going 3-0 in the Gannon-Mercyhurst Invitational held at the Hammermill Center over the weekend.
The Knights began the weekend Friday by sweeping West Virginia State 3-0 by scores of 25-13, 25-18, 25-18. Junior Hannah Kren led the way with 12 kills, while junior Jordan Thiery recorded five aces.
Gannon continued its hot streak Saturday as it edged Ursuline College in five games. The Knights took the first set resoundingly 25-15, but the Arrows answered back with a 26-24 victory to tie it 1-1. Gannon fired back by securing the third set by a score of 25-16, before Ursuline won the fourth set 25-19. The Knights won the decisive fifth set by a score of 15-12.
Kren and Thiery led the way for Gannon once again, with Kren registering 15 kills and 21 digs, while Thiery had four aces.
In the final match of the day, Gannon bested Concord 3-0 by a score of 25-11, 25-18, 25-13. Kren led the way again at the net with 10 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Carolyn Krollman recorded 19 assists.
Coach Matt Darling said he’s really seen an improvement in the team’s quality of practices as of late.
“These improvements have started to show up in our matches, especially in our blocking,” Darling said. “Also, we played four traditional D-II powers in the first two weekends, and we went a respectable 2-2 in those matches.”
Darling also said he knows the Knights are far from a finished product right now.
“As a team, we’ve put most of our emphasis on doing what it takes to make sure we are playing our best volleyball in November,” Darling said.
“This is a great group of competitive and ambitious athletes, and I think they will take us to some fun places this season.”
Edinboro was also in attendance at the Gannon-Mercyhurst Invitational this weekend, but did not play the Knights as the two teams will meet twice in conference play.
Gannon stands at 7-2, and hosts the PSAC East-West crossover this weekend, opening up at 11:30 a.m. Friday against University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown at the Hammermill Center.
MAX SENG
