West Chester hoped to start their home stand strong against Millersville University. However, The results were not in the favor of the Rams. Millersville would sweep West Chester for the first time since 2005, leaving them with not even the slightest taste of conference victory.
Despite an excellent start to the season, the Lady Rams have struggled as of late. Dropping four of their last five games, the Rams have found extremely talentde competition in all of their PSAC matchups so far this year. Millersville has always been solid competition through the recent years and friday seemed to be no different.
The first set was a back and forth game of tug of war. In just the first set, there were 11 ties and seven league changes. Both teams were looking to set the tone right at the start. After a long fought battle and a tied score of 25-25, The Marauders would score two straight to end the long set. Marina Sharkey would put up an impressive double-double, with 11 kills and 15 digs, but the Rams just could not hold off the assault of the Marauders.
Heading into the second set, the Rams would start with unrelenting force, with a 10-4 lead. The Rams made some unforced errors, fueling the fury of the Marauders, who climbed back into the set with a 10-3 run of their own. The 25-21 loss would put Millersville up 2 set to none against the host Golden Rams.
Millersville controlled the third set with ease. They would start with an 8-3 lead and hold it for the whole set. They would finish strong, with 12-5 run to seal the deal. The Marauders would win the set 26-16 with only three errors on 32 attacks by the Rams. Millersville would also post an explosive .344 hit percentage with 14 kills.
Saturday afternoon, West Chester faced the challenge of Shippensburg University at home. Despite a rough patch in their season, the Lady Rams thought this could be a chance for them to find their way back to the winning track and get their momentum going as it was early in the season, once again.
After dropping the first set, West Chester went on to win and dominate three straight sets and seal a 3-1 much-needed victory.
Sharkey certainly stepped her play up in what she says was her”best game of the season.” With 18 kills, three digs and two blocks, Sharkey has been a corner stone for this team in their up and down stretch. Alongside Sharkey has been senior Julia O’Brien. O’Brien also played extremely well in Saturdays match, posting 12 kills, four digs and four blocks. The play and leadership of these two along with the young guns of the team has certainly led to the success the Lady Rams have seen.
As a team, West Chester posted an extremely solid performance Saturday with a .229 hitting percentage.
WCU has seen their young players step up one-by-one all season. Freshman Annalee Halbert posted an excellent 42 assists in the game, along with adding nine digs. The freshman out of Port Murray N.J. has been a go-to player for the Rams this season.
Following Shippensburg, West Chester will be hosting Cheyney University. Cheyney, currently 1-11, 0-6 in the PSAC, will be looking to end their losing streak of nine matches. The Rams, who are currently 3-5 at home, will be looking to sweeten their home court standings. On October 3, the Rams will face the 7-4 Mountain Cats. Reigning PSAC champions, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, is 3-3 in the very tough PSAC. Ending the home stand will be Lock Haven. Currently 9-4, 4-2 in conference matches, the eagles will be a true test of the Ram’s skill and look to be one of the hardest opponents West Chester will face this season. As we hit mid-season, the Rams can hope that their rough patch has passed, and all that lies ahead for them is conference wins.
Bryce Livers is a second-year student majoring in communications. He can be reached at BL810873@wcupa.edu