New Kensington Comes Up Short Against PSU Beaver

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - The Penn State New Kensington women's volleyball team dropped its fifth-straight decision on Sunday afternoon, a home match against Penn State Beaver in straight sets. PSU Beaver prevailed by scores of 25-13, 26-24, 25-15. As a result of the setback, New Ken's record in Penn State University Athletic Conference play now stands at 0-4, and 1-6 overall, while Beaver improved its mark to 2-2 in PSUAC action, and 7-5 overall.

In the first set, PSU Beaver scored the first five points, and never relinquished that lead. Meanwhile, the second set was a back and forth battle that required extra play. Beaver gained a slight edge at 21-17, but New Ken broke serve and then scored three consecutive points with senior Cora Rejniak (Gibsonia, Pa/Deer Lakes) on the service line to pull even. Shortly thereafter, the home squad had set point in its favor, but Beaver scored the final three points of the set to go up 2-0. In the final set, the visitors broke serve and scored the first four points to gain command, ultimately sealing the victory.

 In the match, PSU Beaver held a decisive edge in service aces, 12-3. The visitors also produced a much better hitting percentage, .141 compared to New Ken's .042.

For New Ken, sophomore Kaylea Flick (Murrysville, Pa/Franklin Regional) had a game-best 14 kills, as well as 11 digs and a team-best two service aces. Meanwhile, sophomore Brittany Kotvas (Pittsburgh, Pa/Plum) contributed six kills. Sophomore setter Lindsey Hessom (Leechburg, Pa/Kiski Area) orchestrated the offense with 18 assists, which tied for the game-high mark. Defensively, Rejniak provided a game-leading 14 digs, while Erin Tumas (Vandergrift, Pa/Kiski Area) chipped in with six digs.

In the victory, Stephanie Stadjuhar led Beaver with eight kills, while Maria Slater notched six. Additionally, Emily Keener produced 18 assists, while Alexis Albrecht had 10 digs and five aces.

New Ken returns to action on Tuesday, when the Lions host PSU Greater Allegheny for a conference match at 7 p.m.

Written by: Sean Meyers