The women’s volleyball squad had to hit the bus for their away games vs. Oakland City and Brescia. Oakland City was their first matchup on October 20, where they were in hopes of getting two season-changing victories.
The women started off strong in set one vs. Oakland City, as they were up 20-16. Unfortunately, Oakland City got hot late in this set, while the Pioneers were unable to keep up and lost set one 25-27. The Pioneers did not have that well of a start in set two, as they were playing from behind in most of the set, and eventually fell 25-19. In a familiar position, down 2-0, the women attempt to prevent a sweep. The Pioneers in set three knew the position they were in and looked like a completely different team. They dominated all set, and would eventually pull off 25-16. This was a strong, convincing set victory, and they had all the momentum they needed to make a comeback. Set four was closer than set three, but the women held onto a tight lead to win the set 25-23.
The Pioneers were now one set away from finishing this comeback after starting down 2-0. Set five was, unfortunately, dominated by Mighty Oaks, as they had the lead throughout the whole deciding set and won 15-10. Pioneer Eden McElhaney was all over the place getting kill after kill and led the team with a total of 18 kills. Ashlynn Gulakowski would lead the team in assists with 27. Kenzie Zauner finished the game with a team-high of 28 digs.
The team played well to start off the weekend but fell just short. They used this momentum in their next away matchup vs Brescia (KY). Set one was all Pioneers, as they got an early lead that they held onto the entire time. This resulted in a 25-18 set one victory for the Pioneers. Set two was like the first, with the Pioneers making play after play to secure the lead and a win at 25-19. The women were in a sweep position. They had all the momentum and used it well in set three. They got hot, stayed hot and won set three 25-19.
The Pioneers got a broomstick victory, adding it to the win column. Eden McElhaney contributed very well this weekend and again led the game in kills, with 10. Hayley Stormer followed her with six kills. Ashlynn Gulakowski led the squad in assists with 16, followed by Elise Wallace, who had 13. Kenzie Zauner led the team in digs, again, with 18.
With more conference games coming up the women’s volleyball team still hopes to make a late-season run. The team’s record currently sits at five wins and 16 losses. The Pioneers will come back to Pittsburgh to face Rio Grande in the Student Center, Tuesday October 24th for their dig pink game
