Streak continues with 3-0 sweep over Wilkes-Barre

Hazleton, Pa. - The Lady Lions were true to form on Tuesday night, pulling a straight set victory over Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Hazleton's dominant effort marks 15 consecutive sets won and the fifth straight win in the Penn State University Athletic Conference, leaving the squad in second place in the eastern division. 

The Lady Lion offense came out rolling in the first two sets to take firm control of the match. Sophomore Samaya Hornsby (Richmond, Ca.) led off the match with an 8-0 run from the service line followed shortly thereafter by a 7-0 run from sophomore Damaris Ayala (Berwick, Pa.). All in all, Hazleton would earn 10 kills on 22 attacks, adding seven aces to earn a convincing 25-6 set one victory and never let up as the match progressed. The Lions picked up points in bunches, notching five runs of three points or more to edge their opponent in set two, topping their earlier performance with 11 kills in the frame. 

Wilkes-Barre would rally in the third frame, keeping pace with Hazleton and ultimately out-hitting them with a seven kill effort themselves. A service ace by Ashley Hercog, knotted the score at 16 but a side out sent Ayala back to the service line, where once again, the sophomore led an extended run by Hazleton. This time, that run proved to be a match-ending streak as the Lions struck for nine straight points capped by yet another ace by Ayala.

On a night that saw every Lady Lion finish with a positive hitting percentage, sophomore Chelsey Dominguez (Bronx, Ny.) topped all scorers with 10 kills. Hornsby followed close behind with an eight kill effort and a .571 hitting ratio while sophomore Alessandra Banta (Coatesville, Pa.) totaled a team high 17 assists. Another fine service effort was driven by Ayala who issued nine of Hazleton's 20 aces on the evening. 

Next up: With more experience under their belt, Hazleton earns a rematch with Davis College who snagged a 3-2 win over the Lady Lions back on September 5. Hazleton will  square off with the Falcons on Wednesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. in Johnson City, Ny.