WASHINGTON, D.C. – Penn State Harrisburg's women's volleyball team split a pair of games in a tri-match at Gallaudet on Saturday afternoon, October 11. The Lions dropped a four-set United East contest to the hosts in the opener before sweeping non-conference opponent Albright in the nightcap.


GAME 1
Penn State Harrisburg (11-5, 3-1 United East) began the first set with steady contributions from Hannah DeGregory and Nicole Dos Santos, narrowing an early 3-0 deficit with kills that brought the score to 3-2. The Bison (15-5, 5-0 United East) quickly responded with a series of attacks, widening the gap once more. Emily Miller provided a spark with multiple kills, helping close the gap to 23-15, but the home team secured the set 25-15.


In the second set, the Lions E. Miller and Tesia Oliva each contributed crucial kills early, while Wettstone and DeGregory helped level the score at 6-6. Ondishin Ribon's consistent performance and Mackenzy Miller's assists kept the momentum in favor of Penn State Harrisburg. The visitors continued to capitalize on Gallaudet errors, with Jurney and DeGregory delivering key kills to extend their advantage. DeGregory served back-to-back aces, further widening the gap, and eventually closing the frame 25-15 in the Lions' favor.


Penn State Harrisburg began the third set aggressively, with Jurney delivering a kill from DeGregory, putting them ahead early. After conceding a few points, they regained momentum with opponent errors, including a block by Oliva and DeGregory, pushing the score to 5-3. The set saw multiple exchanges of points, but a 16-16 tie was reached with another kill from Ondishin Ribon. Despite a late push from Penn State Harrisburg, including a pair of kills from E. Miller, Gallaudet secured the third set 25-19, closing with a blocking point.


The final frame was tied 7-7, before the Bison responded with a series of kills by Brielle Worley and a service ace by Ella Gamble, pushing them to a 13-10 lead. As the set progressed, Ondishin Ribon's kill brought the score to 22-15, but Gallaudet maintained momentum with consistent offensive plays. The set concluded with a service ace from Gamble, giving the Bison the overall 4-1 victory.


GAME 2
The Lions (12-5) established early momentum in the first set thanks in part to Ondishin Ribon's offensive efforts that were supported by effective setting from M. Miller and Dos Santos, contributing to a quick 7-0 lead. Albright (4-12) attempted to respond, closing the gap with several well-placed kills and capitalizing on a few errors. However, Penn State Harrisburg maintained control, leveraging key contributions from E. Miller and Wettstone to extend their advantage and took the frame 25-17.


M. Miller opened up the second with assists to DeGregory and Ondishin Ribon for early kills, quickly advancing to a 3-0 lead. The Lions maintained their momentum with solid plays from Wettstone and Tobi West, extending the score to 8-5. Despite Albright's efforts to close the gap, Penn State Harrisburg continued to press forward, with Ellie Brown and E. Miller contributing decisive kills. As the set progressed, Penn State Harrisburg capitalized on the Albright's errors and sustained their offensive pressure, punctuated by a series of kills from Wettstone and Dos Santos.


Despite Albright's efforts to keep the score tight in the final set, Penn State Harrisburg maintained composure, with Wettstone delivering a pivotal kill to bring them to set point. The set concluded with Brown sealing the set victory with a service ace, ending the set 25-22 in favor of the Lions.


NOTABLES
- Ondishin Ribon was lethal on both sides of the ball, recording 38 digs and 21 kills between both contests.
- M. Miller was vital from the setter position, tallying 37 total assists.
- DeGregory did a lit bit of everything on Saturday, totaling 21 digs, 16 kills, and 14 assists.
- Bukowski had double-digit kills in both contests, with 13 and 18 respectively.
- In the nightcap, West chipped in 13 assists and five digs, while Dos Santos added 13 digs for good measure.


WHO'S NEXT?
Penn State Harrisburg hosts Keystone on Wednesday night, October 15 for a United East Conference matchup at 7 p.m.


STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube using the handle @pshbgathletics.