Oct. 6, 2007

Box Score

Aston, Pa- The Neumann Knights women's volleyball team swept Widener University (30-23, 35-33, and 30-24) in a non conference match up this afternoon.  With the win the Knights (14-8, 6-0 PAC) avenged a 3-0 sweep by Widener in September at the Elizabethtown Tournament.

The Knights led the way in game one. Widener managed to come within a point, 16-15, but could not surpass the Knights' attack led by Emilee Gruse (Lafayette, In. /St. Mark's) who had five kills in the 30-23 victory.  Widener's last point of the game came off of a kill by Rachel Chizmadia which fired up the Knights, sparking a five point run to end the game on top.

In game two, the Knights battled through 14 ties earning a 35-33 win over the visitors.  Emily Grusse continued to lead the attack with five kills and Ashley Mathis (Norristown, Pa. /Norristown) added seven to her total.  Widener took the lead late in the game but the Knights prevailed in extra points.  Caitlin Iacobacci (Philadelphia, Pa. /Archbishop Carroll) provided the game winner for the Knights off an assist from Kristen Verone (Folsom, Pa. /Cardinal O'Hara).

The Knights opened game three similar to game two going point for point with the Pioneers.  However, after tying the score at 14-14, Neumann started to pull away after three errors by Widener put Neumann ahead.  A Julia Tarloski (Malvern, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) kill pushed the Knights to 18-14 and added momentum to the team's spirit. From that point on Neumann never looked back finishing the game 30-24.

The Knights were led overall by Emilee Gruse with 13 kills, 2 service aces, 4 block solos and 2 block assists. Ashley Mathis also had 13 kills in the win while Rachael Sokolovich (Media, Pa. /Ridley) had 12 kills, 4 service aces and 15 digs. Meghan Wilson (West Chester, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) led the Knights defense with 24 digs and Kristen Verone assisted the Knights with 24 successful sets.

Neumann will look to make to five in a row on Monday night at home when they host Centenary College at 7:00 p.m.