September 12, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA. – The Gannon women’s volleyball team opened the 2025 season last weekend, participating in the Opening Roar Tournament in Garden City, New York. The Golden Knights entered the competition with high expectations following an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Their first test was against the defending champion, Lynn University.
Nehir Yazicioglu scored the first of her ten kills, or points, for Gannon’s first tally of the year. The game would remain close until about the halfway mark when the Lynn Fighting Knights scored four-straight points. Lynn would grow its lead up to six as Gannon continued to climb the deficit. Despite rallying within two points, Lynn’s Lillia Neill sealed a 25-22 victory in set one.
Gannon found success early in set two earning a 5-3 quick lead following kills from five different players. The lead would diminish as Lynn kickstarted a surge that would control the game. The Golden Knights were outscored 21-4 while Lynn never looked back. An attack error completed a dominating win for the Lynn Fighting Knights.
Gannon needed a win to avoid being swept. The Golden Knights trailed early until a rally tied the game midway through. Gannon’s Lauren Atwell gave her team the lead as Yazicioglu finished a 25-23 Golden Knights victory.
Lynn proved why it’s ranked #1 with a stellar set four. Gannon stayed side by side with their opponents until a commanding 12-3 run left them on the brink of a loss. Lynn’s Ella Woltman would score the game-winning kill to hand the Golden Knights a season-opening loss. The defending champions would stay undefeated.
Despite a tough loss, it would ultimately be a successful weekend in New York for Gannon. The Golden Knights were able to split Friday night following a 3-2 set win over Adelphi. After losing the first two sets, Gannon would rally and win the next three games against the Panthers.
The Golden Knights carried momentum into Saturday, starting with a three-game sweep against Molloy. Two of the three wins were double digits for the Golden Knights. Gannon would close the tournament with a game against Assumption. After winning the first two sets and losing the third, the Golden Knights rolled past the Greyhounds to close the weekend with a 3-1 record.
Gannon embarks on another road trip this weekend facing three teams in the Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown Classic. The first matchup will be Friday, September 12th against the Findlay Oilers. The game is scheduled for 10:00AM in Grand Rapids, Mi.
