Box Score
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Whether it's meant to help build confidence or perhaps simply to jump start the season with a win, many teams at the collegiate level - for whatever reason - schedule an easy load through their first couple of games to kick off a new year.
Not PBU.
Instead, the Crimson Eagles began their 2009 campaign by going up against an NCAA II powerhouse Wednesday evening, facing an all too familiar foe that has been somewhat of a insurmountable mountain for the group in recent memory. Heading into Wednesday's contest, PBU managed to overcome local crosstown rival Philadelphia University only once in the past decade, with the single triumph coming a year ago in the form of a 3-2 dogfight.
But, unfortunately, last year's success wasn't to be duplicated on Wednesday.
Philadelphia University swept the Crimson Eagles in 3-0 fashion, rolling to their third win of the season by games scores of 31-29, 25-17, 25-17. Despite an admirable effort, PBU was shackled by 23 errors as a group en route to a somewhat shaky .089 hitting percentage for the game. The host squad, meanwhile, enjoyed a .198 hitting clip throughout the evening, all-while sprinkling in 11 service aces into the mix throughout the match.
Utilizing a balanced offensive attack, Philly U saw eight different players record at least one kill while four Rams finished with two or more aces. It marks Philadelphia's third straight win as the group moves to 3-1 on the year.
The Crimson Eagles were paced by junior Carly Plank who tallied 10 kills and 11 digs while freshman Rachel Calderon produced a double double with 11 kills and 10 digs in her first collegiate outing. Senior Kay Lynn Zeiset added 16 digs in the losing effort while fellow classmate Betsy Ranck added 30 assists and six digs. Fourth year outside hitter Tanya Jendrek chipped in with nine digs and a game high four aces.
PBU will shift focus to the team's home opener this Saturday during the Crimson Eagle Classic. The group will open up play against Baruch College beginning at 8:30 am in the Mason Activity Center and will follow up with a 12:30 pm outing opposite New Jersey City University.
