CARLISLE, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's volleyball team dropped their first contest of the young season against Dickinson 3-1 on Thursday night, September 3.


Hannah DeGregory recorded a double-double on the night with 10 kills and 17 digs, to go with six assists to lead the Lions. Kate Bukowski was a constant on defense, as she had 17 digs, while Mackenzy Miller had 15 assists from the setter position.


The opening set saw a competitive start as Penn State Harrisburg (1-1) kept the score close against Dickinson (2-3), with DeGregory making a notable impact early on with a series of key kills, including one assisted by M. Miller. Despite trailing, the Lions managed to capitalize on service errors from their opponents, narrowing the gap point by point. However, the Red Devil's offense, led by Amelia Kim, pulled away with a late surge, including a service ace that sealed the set 25-15.


Penn State Harrisburg got ahead early on in the second set, as M. Miller delivered a service ace and continued to serve through a 5-0 run, capitalizing on Dickinson's attack errors. The home team tried to narrow the gap, but DeGregory's kill from M. Miller's assist helped the Lions regain much-needed control. The set saw the visitors maintain a steady lead, highlighted by DeGregory's consistent offensive contributions, including a pivotal kill that tied the game. Camryn Wettstone and DeGregory clinched the set with decisive kills, securing a tight victory for the Lions.


In the third frame, the Blue & White once again got ahead right off the bat, highlighted by two consecutive kills from Nicole Dos Santos assisted by M. Miller. The Red Devils quickly responded with a series of points of their own, tying the game following a service ace by Amanda Palo, and managed to pull away late in the set, securing a 25-18 third-set victory. The final set saw the Lions post the first two points, but Dickinson answered with two kills by Mallie Thomas and a service ace by Eliette Whittaker, propelling them to an advantage. The Red Devils ran away with the last frame 25-10 to secure the overall win over the visitors.


NOTABLES
- DeGregory led Penn State Harrisburg on offense, as she posted a double-double with 10 kills and 17 digs, to go along with six assists.
- From the setter position, M. Miller had 15 helpers and also recorded seven digs and a pair of service aces. 
- Bukowski shined on defense, with an impressive 17 digs on the night.
- Dickinson's Thomas led the team with 21 kills, while teammate Avery Butcher recorded 22 digs.


WHO'S NEXT? 
The Lions travel to Madison, N.J. on Saturday, September 6 for a non-conference match against Drew at 12 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.