Gannon Downs Women’s Volleyball

By Colin O’Connell
Staff Writer

The Gannon Lady Knights volleyball team defeated the ESU Warriors 3-0 on Oct. 29.

Kelsey Ansec and Lauren Beck led Gannon with eight kills each, while freshman Sarah Smith racked up nine kills of her own for ESU.

The two teams were tied 4-4 early in the first set, but Gannon took control and ended up taking the first set 25-14.

Gannon took an early 10-1 lead in the second set. Despite a four-point run by ESU late in the set, Gannon held on to win the second set 25-15.

ESU started the third set strong, jumping out to an 8-4 lead. But Gannon fought back and took the third set 25-14.

Smith, who in addition to her nine kills for the Warriors, hit .185 and was a bright spot for ESU along with junior Desiree Claxton, who had eight kills.

Freshman Jasmine Williams was third on the team with five kills. Junior Maddie Reichard tallied two kills. Freshman Abby Moore and junior Sarah Fillman each had one kill apiece.

The Lady Knights saw Beck, a senior, hit .538 in addition to her eight kills and ten points.

The Lady Knights also saw strong performances from senior Hannah Kren, who had six kills, and junior Anne-Mari Kaur, who had five kills.

Gannon also had two players with three kills, two players with two kills, and three players with one kill.

Gannon’s head coach Matt Darling notched his 199th win with the Lady Knights.

The loss drops ESU to 11-15 overall and 3-9 in PSAC play. Meanwhile Gannon improves to 21-3 overall and 10-2 in PSAC play.

Gannon looks to be in firm control of the Northwest Division as they hope to roll into the postseason PSAC Tournament as the favorite.

ESU meanwhile has six games remaining on its schedule as they hope to get over .500 for the season.

The Warriors will hit the road as they play at Edinboro on Friday evening and at Slippery Rock on Saturday afternoon.

Email Colin at:
coconnell11@live.esu.edu