Gannon Volleyball earns crucial PSAC win over IUP

ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon women’s volleyball team avenged another road loss Saturday night, defeating Indiana (Pa.) in four sets in a critical Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match by scores of 25-14, 23-25, 25-21 and 26-24. 

“At this point in the season, every win is a good win, especially when you beat a team that is right with you in the playoff race,” said head coach Matt Darling. “I’m really proud of our defense tonight, especially the floor defense of Jess Saunders and the blocking of Sarah Glancy.” 

Gannon’s defense was as sharp as it has been all season, recording 91 digs with four Lady Knights reaching double figures. Leading the way was Jess Saunders (Hinckley, Ohio / Highland) with 24. 

At the net, Sarah Glancy (Walled Lake, Mich. / Walled Lake Central) bothered the IUP hitters all night, recording two solo blocks and four block assists, career bests in both categories. The sophomore also added seven kills, hitting .261 in the match. 

In total three Lady Knights recorded double-doubles. Lauren Sazama (St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville) tallied 16 kills and 16 digs, Alex DelPiombo (Monroe, Mich. / St. Mary’s Catholic Central) dished out 39 assists and reached double-digit digs for the second straight match, earning 10 against IUP. Morgan Reineke (New Knoxville, Ohio / New Knoxville) was the team leader in both kills (17) and digs (20). 

Gannon was able to overcome 13 service errors in the match by out-hitting IUP, recording 64 kills to the Crimson Hawks 39. 

IUP made a strong effort in the final points to push the game to a fifth set, as Gannon was up 24-20 before the Crimson Hawks rolled off four straight points to tie the game at 24. A kill from Courtney Cook (Middleburg Heights, Ohio / St. Peter Chanel) and Sazama would give Gannon the four-set victory. 

Gannon improves to 18-8 this season with a record of 11-6 in conference play. The Crimson Hawks are now 20-9 and 9-8 in PSAC play. 

“Even though we’ve had some ups and downs this season, we feel like we’re in a good position at this point,” said Darling. “Playing meaningful matches in November is what every team wants to be doing and I’m looking forward to a good week of practice to get ready for Clarion and Slippery Rock.” 

Gannon will again play at home next weekend against the Bald Eagles and the Rock. Both Friday, November 5 and Saturday November 6 matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.