WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL MATCH
GANNON GOLDEN KNIGHTS Def. IUP CRIMSON HAWKS 25-17, 25-20, 25-21
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ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon volleyball team opened the conference season against the team that ended its 2023 season in the Atlantic Regional.
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This time, the Golden Knights emerged victorious as they swept IUP Crimson Hawks 25-17, 25-20, 25-21 at Hagerty Family Events Center. Gannon was playing just its second home match in its 13th match of the season. The Golden Knights improved to 8-5 overall while winning their first PSAC West match of the season.
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IUP slipped to 10-5 overall and 0-2 in the PSAC West. The Crimson Hawks had beaten Gannon in in five sets in the 2023 Atlantic Regional semifinals.
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Gannon honored senior libero
Emma Hall (Lowell, Mich./Lowell) for breaking the school's career kills record during a recent road trip. Coach
Matt Darling presented her with a volleyball commemorating Hall's record-breaking feat before the match.
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Matt Darling presents Emma Hall with a commemorative ball after she set the Gannon digs record. (Taylor Brown)
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What happened:
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IUP started quickly in the first set by taking a 12-6 lead. However, with Gannon trailing 13-8, setter
Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) began serving. Powered by her serves, the Golden Knights reeled off 11 consecutive points to take a 19-13 lead and turn the momentum of the match firmly in their favor.  Gannon then completed the set with a 25-17 victory.
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Gannon trailed 5-2 in the second set when
Lara Toruner (Istanbul, Turkey/Terakki Foundation) went to the service line. Gannon scored six consecutive points to take an 8-5 lead. The match was tied 12-12 when Arslan took over the serve again and GU scored four straight points. Gannon led the rest of the way as it won the set 25-20.
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The Knights led most of the third set and were ahead 21-20 before Carrissa Treser,
Ali Sorenson (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln Way East), and
Hailey Koch (Littleton, Col./Dakota Ridge) put away kills to secure the set, 25-21, and the match.
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By the numbers:
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Gannon outhit IUP .260 to .052 as the Knights played strong defense throughout. GU finished with 12 blocks to IUP's four. Gannon also collected 52 digs to IUP's 42.
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Ali Sorenson (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln Way East) led all players with nine total blocks, including three solos. Hall had 16 digs, and Arslan added 12.
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Gannon had a balanced offense as Treser led the way with eight kills.
Journey Blevins (Richwood, Ohio/North Union), Sorenson and Koch each had seven kills. Arslan ran the offense by spreading the ball around while dishing out 31 assists.
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What's ahead:
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Gannon will travel to Greensburg to take on Seton Hill on Saturday at noon. The Griffins (11-1) beat IUP in five sets on Tuesday.
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