The Gannon University women's volleyball team enjoyed a strong start to its two-match weekend on Friday with a sweep of California University of Pennsylvania at Highmark Events Center.

Junior outside hitter Madde Blake (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central) turned in another solid all-around effort, leading Gannon with 11 kills, 13 points, and 16 digs. In addition, Golden Knights coach Matt Darling was able to play a lot of lineup combinations, and many players contributed as Gannon won by scores of 25-14, 25-12, 25-21.

Gannon improved to 14-5 overall and solidified its hold on second place in the PSAC West with an 8-1 record. The Golden Knights trail only Clarion (10-0) in the standings and have a two-match lead over third-place IUP (6-3).

For the second consecutive match, Gannon's tough serving kept Cal from setting up its offensive attack consistently. The Knights also served well in their last match during a sweep of IUP on October 8.

"It feels good. I thought that we had good energy," Darling said. "We kind of got on the plus side of things with good serving, and once you have the other team not able to be in their offense, it gives you opportunities for that, and we got the points."

Gannon's serving was particularly effective in the second set. During one stretch, Gannon scored 10 consecutive points while Blake was serving, transforming a 5-4 deficit into a 14-5 lead.

"I think if we have to say, what is our best way to success, strong serving is definitely going to be at the top of that list," Darling said.

Freshman setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey) had 23 assists, sophomore libero Emma Hall (Lowell, Mich./Lowell) added 13 digs, and senior middle blocker Maggie Greenfield (Woodstock, Ontario/Woodstock Collegiate Institute) contributed six kills, four blocks, and 10 points.

Elisa Rugiero had nine kills for Cal, which dropped to 10-9 overall and 4-6 in the PSAC West.

One of the highlights for Gannon was the play of a few players who saw some of their most extensive playing time, including redshirt sophomore setter Marta Roicka (Warsaw, Poland/North Central Texas Academy), who had three assists in her season debut. Freshman hitter Mia Dela Merced (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) and sophomore middle blocker Ali Sorenson (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln Way East) also had big moments in the match. All of them brought energy to the court when they were in the lineup.

"I was very happy with the results," Darling said. "Marta got her first time, Mia looked great in her play in the first set, Makenna (Gavin) and Hailey (Koch) both looked good on the right side, and Ali Sorenson (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln Way East) came in and made a big impact. It was fun to see that.

"It's great energy for the team, and I think that's recognition that even the people who aren't starting all the time, they're still putting in the work. They're still an important part of what we're doing. When they get to have a little bit of that reward, it's great for everybody."

Gannon will travel to Johnstown on Saturday for a 2 p.m. PSAC West match against Pitt-Johnstown. Gannon swept UPJ on September 17 at Highmark Events Center.