Lady Lions drop first conference match at Worthington Scranton

Dunmore, Pa. - The Lady Lions lost a toughly contested opening set on Wednesday night, leading to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Penn State Worthington Scranton. The loss pushes the Hazleton record to 1-6 (0-1 PSUAC) and stalls the team's hopes to right their season in Penn State University Athletic Conference competition.  

Both squads competed well in set one as the team's traded points from the opening serve. Hazleton led 23-22 late in the frame when Worthington Scranton reeled off three consecutive points to take the early advantage in the match. Despite the disappointing loss of set one, Hazleton rebounded to the tune of a 14-5 lead midway through the second set, but saw Worthington Scranton go on a 20 to four run to deflate the Hazleton attackers and win the set 25-18. The set two collapse signaled the defeat for the Lions as the home team went on to victory in set three 25-13, winning the match 3-0.

Worthington Scranton edged the Lady Lions in a match dominated by the service game. Hazleton's 25 aces would be matched and raised by Scranton's service attack with 33 serves without return. Emily Tavares led all Worthington Scranton players with two kills and 15 aces. Hazleton's Nieves Alonzo served up six aces and two kills to pace the Lions.

Next up: Hazleton returns home with two opportunities on Saturday Sept. 19 to return to the win column. Hazleton will face Penn State York and Mont Alto begining at 2:00 p.m. before heading back on the road on Sunday as they continue PSAUC play.