IUP Sweeps Shepherd to Advance to PSAC Quarterfinals
Table of Contents
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) volleyball team dominated Shepherd University in a straight-set victory (25-16, 25-20, 25-8) on november 19, 2023, securing their place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) quarterfinals. The Crimson Hawks showcased a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive play throughout the match, continuing their quest for a second consecutive conference championship. https://iupathletics.com/news/2023/11/19/womens-volleyball-iup-sweeps-shepherd-in-psac-first-round.aspx
Early Dominance and consistent Pressure
IUP started strong,opening the first set with a 5-1 run and maintaining the lead throughout. Key contributions from Sadie Schmidt, Nicole Potvin, and Macy Concannon fueled the Hawks’ offense. They built a significant lead in the second set,reaching 24-15,before successfully navigating a Shepherd rally to close it out 25-20 and take a 2-0 match lead.
Decisive Third Set
The third set was a display of IUP’s dominance. A nine-point scoring run, highlighted by two service aces from Emily Rauch and powerful kills from Concannon and Kaitlyn Neiman, quickly put the set out of reach for Shepherd. IUP hit an remarkable .293 in the final frame, while holding Shepherd to a mere .059 hitting percentage and only five kills. https://iupathletics.com/news/2023/11/19/womens-volleyball-iup-sweeps-shepherd-in-psac-first-round.aspx
Key Player Performances
* IUP: Concannon and Neiman led the Hawks’ attack with 10 kills each. Schmidt added 8 kills, and Potvin contributed with 7. Rauch’s serving proved crucial, with her two aces contributing to the team’s momentum.
* Shepherd: Sophia Ryan and Amya Davis were the leading attackers for the Rams, each recording six kills. However, Shepherd struggled offensively, posting a team hitting percentage of just .116.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, IUP advances to the PSAC quarterfinals, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The Crimson Hawks are aiming to repeat their championship success from the previous year and continue their impressive season. The PSAC tournament bracket and schedule can be found on the PSAC website: https://psacsports.org/sports/wvball/tournament
Key Takeaways:
* IUP defeated Shepherd in straight sets (3-0).
* The Crimson Hawks demonstrated a balanced offensive attack and strong serving.
* IUP advances to the PSAC quarterfinals, seeking a repeat championship.
* Shepherd struggled offensively, hitting just .116 as a team.