Brandywine’s Winning Streak Ends In Five Sets

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Penn State Brandywine volleyball team saw its three-game winning streak end as the Lions fell short in five sets at Wilson College on Tuesday night falling by scores of 23-25, 25-22, 7-25, 25-22, 14-16.

Anna Ramirez (Exton, Pa./Downingtown East) had a season-high 12 kills, while Emma O'Reilly (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) tallied eight kills. Laura Jezyk (Wilmington, Del./St. Elizabeth) dished out 15 assists and Sophie Scrivo (Chester, Conn./Valley Regional) recorded 10 helpers, while Emmalin Molinaro (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) topped the team with three service aces.

Molinaro also posted a team-best 13 digs and O'Reilly and Shannon Phillips (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) added seven digs each. Morgan Rizer (Denton, Md./North Caroline) collected a career-best five blocks.

During the opening set, neither team led by more than two points until Ramirez reeled off three-straight kills to give the Lions a 20-17 edge. Wilson answered with the next five points and after Brandywine tied the count at 22-all, the hosts tallied three of the final four points to claim the opening set.

Three consecutive Phoenix points helped Wilson grab a 23-22 lead during set No. 2, but two Wilson errors and an ace from Phillips helped the Lions even the match at 1-1.

After Wilson used a 15-0 surge to claim the third set 25-7, Brandywine sent the match to a deciding fifth set by winning the fourth frame 25-22. The Lions overcame a 20-16 deficit with five consecutive points, including a pair of aces and a kill from O'Reilly. Wilson netted the next two points to jump back in front; however, the Lions took advantage of three Phoenix errors and a kill from Ramirez to earn the set victory.

Brandywine led by as a many as three points early in the fifth set before Wilson chipped away and took its first lead of the frame at 14-13. O'Reilly's kill staved off one match point, but the Phoenix received consecutive kills from Abby Moreland to claim the match.

Brandywine (5-14, 2-4 United East) will have a week off before hosting Rosemont on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 PM.