It is the first time Gannon has qualified for back-to-back conference tournaments since the 2002 and 2003 seasons when they were a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Gannon also recorded it’s 20th win this season representing consecutive seasons of at least 20 wins for the first time since the 1994 and 1995 seasons.
Gannon, the four seed in the Western Division, will take on Clarion, the No. 1 seed, on Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m.
“We are looking forward to another exciting match against Clarion,” said head coach Matt Darling. “After playing to five sets both times this season, its clear that they are a solid team and we’ll need a complete team effort.”
In the match, Gannon hit .280 to the Rock’s .216. Although Slippery Rock won the battle at the net, recording 10 blocks to Gannon’s five, the Lady Knights were able to earn 14 points off aces and recorded double-digit kills in each set.
Kendall Fischer (Macedonia, Ohio / Nordonia) helped Gannon to a 7-0 lead to open the match, serving seven straight times. The senior would later help secure the 25-11 set victory with an ace. On the night Fischer had 24 assists, eight digs and a pair of aces.
Slippery Rock battled back in the second set, erasing a late Gannon lead by scoring five straight points to take a 23-22 lead. Gannon would rally off a Sarah Glancy (Walled Lake, Mich. / Walled Lake Central) ace, eventually winning the set 27-25 on a Rock attack error.
Slippery Rock won the fourth set 25-21 with the help of nine attack errors in the set. The Lady Knights would shut down Slippery Rock in the fourth set, earning the 25-19 win thanks to four service aces.
Courtney Cook (Middleburg Heights, Ohio / St. Peter Chanel) provided Gannon with a spark late in the match, recording six of her season-high 11 kills during the deciding set. The Junior hit .611 in the match, without an attack error.
Morgan Reineke (New Knoxville, Ohio / New Knoxville) recorded a match-high 17 kills, adding 18 digs two block assists and a pair of aces. Lauren Sazama (St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville) hit .258 in the match with 13 kills, while Jess Saunders (Hinckley, Ohio / Highland) recorded 16 digs.
Following the match Gannon honored both Fischer and Saunders as part of Senior Night.
“Kendall has started at three different positions during the past four seasons, and this versatility has made her one of our most valuable players,” said Darling of Fischer. “She has always come up big during the most important matches, and her willingness to do whatever she can to make the team better has helped turn our program around.”
“In many ways, Jess epitomizes the dedication we want from Gannon Volleyball players,” said Darling of Saunders. “In addition to her great success on the court, she’s one of the best recruiters we’ve had. We are definitely a better team because of Jess.”
Gannon finishes the regular season at 20-8 with a 13-6 record in conference play. Slippery Rock falls to 8-21 with a 5-14 mark in conference.
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