LANGHORNE, PA - In the first round of NEAC tournament play, the women's volleyball team played like the number one seed.
The Crimson Eagles used a well rounded team effort to defeat Keuka College for the second time this year, with tonight's victory proving much more significant as it lifts PBU into the conference finals for the first time in program history. PBU defeated Keuka back in late September, 3-1.
The Crimson Eagles were able to control the majority of the match Friday as they handled the Storm in three straight sets, 3-0, and by and large prevented Keuka from getting into the flow of the game. Game scores ended at 30-15, 30-17, and 30-16 in PBU's favor.
Freshman sisters Cristen and Caitlin Hess helped spearhead the offensive attack for PBU as the duo combined for 23 kills along with a .409 attacking percentage. Senior Becky Williams contributed seven kills, five digs and one ace, and freshman Carly Plank added six kills and three aces. Betsy Ranck ended the night in typical fashion finishing with 38 assists and two aces.
As a team, the Crimson Eagles managed 45 kills on the night, their fifth highest output of the season during a three game match. The win improves PBU to 29-8 overall and marks the 25th time this year that the Crimson Eagles shut out their opponent 3-0. Friday's loss ends Keuka's season and gives the Storm a final standing record of 14-19.
PBU will play in their first ever NEAC championship on Saturday in Langhorne with match time scheduled for noon. A win would secure PBU's first trip in program history to the NCAA National Tournament. The Crimson Eagles will vie for the conference crown against the winner of Friday's second game between two-seeded Baptist Bible and three-seeded D'Youville.
