ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon women's volleyball team suffered its first home loss of the season on Saturday afternoon, falling to IUP in three sets, 25-19, 25-12, 25-19, inside the Highmark Events Center.
In a rematch of the 2025 NCAA Atlantic Regional, where the Golden Knights defeated IUP in three sets, the Crimson Hawks returned the favor. IUP jumped out to an early lead in each set and never looked back, handing Gannon its first home loss since Oct. 25, 2025.
The Golden Knights dropped to 15-4 overall and 5-2 in PSAC play, while IUP improved to 14-4 overall and 8-1 in conference action.
"IUP was in control from start to finish," said Gannon head coach
Matt Darling. "The reality is IUP came out with a good game plan, and we didn't have an answer for them. They deserve all the credit. They played a terrific match."
THE GAME FACTS
Score: IUP 3, Gannon 0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-19)
Records: Gannon (15-4, 5-2 PSAC), IUP (14-4, 8-1 PSAC)
Location: Highmark Events Center – Erie, Pa.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
THE KNIGHT CAP
- Crimson Hawks Strike Early: IUP jumped out to an early lead in all three sets and never trailed during the match. The Crimson Hawks opened the first set with an 8-2 advantage and went on to take the opening frame 25-19.
- Second-Set Struggles: The Crimson Hawks carried their momentum into the second set, opening with five straight points before building a 17-7 advantage. Gannon managed just five kills in the frame as IUP claimed a 25-12 victory.
- Third-Set Battle: Gannon looked to extend the match in the third set but once again fell behind early. The Golden Knights trailed 9-3 before trimming the deficit to three at 9-6. IUP responded and maintained its advantage to secure the sweep with another 25-19 win.
- Wake Leads the Offense: Sydney Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) paced the Golden Knights with seven kills on 21 attempts, finishing with a .238 hitting percentage. Nehir Yazicioglu (Ankara, Turkey) followed with six kills, while Abbey Williams (Chicago, Ill./Mother Mcauley Liberal Arts) added five.
- Williams Held in Check: The Crimson Hawks limited Abbey Williams (Chicago, Ill./Mother Mcauley Liberal Arts), Gannon's leading attacker in kills this season, to a season-low five kills on 44 attempts.
- Gainer Directs the Offense: Ava Gainer (Wheeling, W.Va./The Linsly School) handed out a team-high 20 assists while adding six digs. The Golden Knights finished with 26 kills and 22 assists.
- Defensive Effort: Alexis Fowler (Cranberry Township, PA/Eden Christian Academy) led Gannon with 11 digs, while Addi Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) added nine. Gabby Beaubrun (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) chipped in seven digs, and Williams and Gainer each finished with six.
- Offensive Numbers: Gannon was held to a .088 hitting percentage with 26 kills and 16 attack errors on 114 attempts. IUP finished with 44 kills and a .275 hitting percentage, led by Jessica Neiman's match-high 14 kills.
- Home Streak Snapped: The Golden Knights suffered their first home loss of the season and their first since Oct. 25, 2025.
Up Next
Gannon returns to the road on Thursday, Oct. 15, when the Golden Knights travel to Edinboro for a PSAC West matchup. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Edinboro, Pa.
This story was written using the support of AI.
