Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – On a Tuesday night filled with action and spirited rallies from both sides, the Golden Rams’ volleyball team asserted themselves as a serious threat in the PSAC Eastern Division, taking all three games from preseason favorite East Stroudsburg, 31-29, 30-18, 30-19 inside Hollinger Field House.
The win extended West Chester’s (14-0, 1-0 PSAC East) winning streak to open the season to 14 matches, while pushing its consecutive game win streak to 19 on the heels of the Golden Rams’ sixth straight shutout and 11th overall. The loss dropped East Stroudsburg to 3-8 overall and 0-1 in the PSAC East.
It was both teams’ first crack at conference action with the first game being closely contested. The second and third games, however, became an exhibition of shear dominance by the home team.
Kristen Decker turned in a sensational performance, knocking down 13 kills and nine digs. Michelle Powers chimed in on the Golden Rams’ assault, recording seven kills and assisting on two blocks.
Jenna Burd recorded nine kills as well. Freshman Ashley Focht contributed to the cause, recording nine kills. Lisa Yeasted recorded 37 assists to go with her four kills.
West Chester ran out to a 10-4 lead early in game one, just to see East Stroudsburg storm back and eventually go on a 5-1 run late that gave the visiting Warriors at 22-21 advantage. From there, the teams went back-and-forth with the teams never being separated by more than two points. However, two consecutive attack errors by ESU with the game tied at 29 apiece proved to be the difference.
Game two started out close, but senior Jacqueline Vivanco served up six straight points to turn a three-point lead into a nine-point advantage (13-4) and the Golden Rams were off to the races.
In game three, West Chester posted the first five points of the tilt on the strength of freshman Michelle Powers’ serves. Powers staked the Golden Rams to a 5-0 lead, which took the wind out of East Stroudsburg’s sails.
“The team chemistry is what sets us apart,” Powers said. “We play good team defense and Lisa (Yeasted) is a great setter.”
“The experience of the upperclass has been vital to our success,” head coach Kassie Bellaver said. “I’ve felt confident in this group since day one. The freshmen have been playing very well.”
For the Warriors, Lauren Hoffman recorded nine kills and one assist. Amy Casteel recorded 16 assists. Chandell Pet recorded 10 kills and 17 assists.
West Chester will look to continue with their string of success on Thursday at Felician at 7 p.m.
