The Women’s Volleyball team went into the week with a shot at taking over first place in the PSAC East division, but their hopes were crushed in a heartbreaking five-set match Thursday night, where they lost for the second time this season to the Lock Haven Bald Eagles.Going into the match, West Chester was second in the division, only one game behind Lock Haven. The loss gave them only their second loss in the PSAC East, both at the hands of the Bald Eagles.
The Golden Rams got off to a slow start, as they lost the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-13. They didn’t give up though, and in a valiant effort, came back and won the next two sets, going overtime in both matches, 25-27, 24-26, only to fall late in the rubber match, 15-11. This loss gave Lock Haven a solid hold on first place and ended West Chester’s nine-game winning streak.
While the Lady Rams were unable to take first place, they had already clinched second place in the division and a home game in playoffs the week before, in a conference game against Cheyney. In the match, West Chester slaughtered the winless Cheyney Lady Wolves in three straight sets, allowing only 17 points total on the night.
Lisa Yeasted continued her consistent play with four kills, three aces, and 13 assists. Ashley Focht and Lacie Becher each recorded four kills of their own, and Jacque Vivanco notched five digs and four aces.
West Chester would then triumph over Lincoln University and Philadelphia University before falling to C.W. Post over last weekend.
Last Wednesday, West Chester took on Lincoln University for the second time in less than a week, and once again swept them in three straight sets. Becher led the team with 11 kills, while Megan Musselman recorded six. Yeasted added 20 assists.
Saturday marked the final regular season game, in which the Golden Rams ended on a high note, beating conference rival Shippensburg, placing their final record at 25-8.
West Chester ended the season ranked No. 2 in the PSAC East division, and will take on Shippensburg at home, Tuesday night at 7 p.m. This is the first year that a quarterfinal match will take place in the league, as this year the top four in each division make the playoffs, compared to the top three in recent years.
Lock Haven and East Stroudsburg are the other two East teams to make the playoffs. If West Chester defeats Shippensburg, who they have already beaten twice this season, they will advance to the semi-finals on Friday and take on the winner of the Lock Haven vs. East Stroudsburg game. The semi-final round and chamionship match will take place at California (Pa.).
The teams that made the playoffs from the PSAC West division are California (Pa.), Edinboro, Mercyhurst, and either Slippery Rock or Clarion.
Ryan Frisco is a second-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at RF648257@wcupa.edu.