Image Credits: Kelsey Stauffer
West Chester University (WCU) Volleyball defeated the Pace University Setters 3-0 in their last non-league match of the season on Nov. 5.
WCU was able to secure the win in three sets after an intense back and forth battle between the teams.
“I think our grit to just finish and close out in three was what we needed,” said captain Zoe Haines.
Pace jumped ahead early in the first set but WCU was able to come back with a 5-0 run to retake the lead. The set was tied 15-15 before WCU responded with an 8-3 run to put them back on top. A block by CeCe Isenberg ended the set to make the final score 25-18.
“One highlight for sure [was that] our middles were doing very well,” said coach Kassie Bellaver. “Both Cece and Julia, both from the defensive point of their blocking and certainly offensively, especially toward the beginning of that match. Cece was definitely a terminator.”
In the second set, Pace fought back and tied the score at 21-21, but the Rams were able to close out the match with a final score of 25-22.
The Rams began the final set of Wednesday’s match with an 11-8 lead before the Setters recovered with a 5-0 run. After their second timeout of the match, WCU battled back to secure the 25-22 win. Senior Abiah Lane closed out the set with a block. Lane led the team in kills, with 13 on the night. She also ended the night with 7 digs, 13 assists and an ace.
Middle blockers Isenberg and Julia Kwitchoff both had stand-out performances. Isenberg ended her night with 9 kills and 3 blocks. Kwitchoff finished the match with 8 kills and 1 block.
“Both of our outsides, Maeve and Bia, have been very consistent,” said coach Kassie Bellaver.
As the regular season is completed and playoffs are on the horizon, consistency will be a key to their success.
The Rams are currently in fourth place in their division, with a 7-7 conference record. The team is using their momentum to stay focused as they enter the playoffs.
“Just win, win, win as much as we can. We have great team chemistry,” said senior captain Zoe Haines.
Haines was named PSAC East Athlete of the Week earlier this season after posting an 18 kill game against Wilmington University.
Strong team chemistry and focus during practices has been a crucial element in their dominance on the court.
“If you’re on the sidelines or if you are between the lines, just understanding that it’s a West Chester win,” said Bellaver. “We’re all contributing, especially in our practices, the competition and scrimmages have been very high-level. That just goes so far when you have the jerseys on.”
Their off court chemistry has only grown since the beginning of the year.
“I think we started off really strong and we’ve just been getting closer and closer from there,” said Haines. “Definitely sad that I’m a senior and there’s people leaving.”
For all 77 minutes of the match, the team’s energy and intensity never wavered, no matter the score.
“You know that’s really a place that I’m familiar and comfortable with, for some of these girls it’s been years since we had that opportunity,” said Bellaver.
The midweek win against Pace gave them momentum they needed to prepare for a rival-filled weekend.
“When we’re in rhythm we’re playing at a very high level,” said Bellaver. The Rams clinched a postseason spot after a split against Kutztown and East Stroudsburg. This will be their first playoff appearance since 2022.
The Golden Rams first PSAC tournament game will take place Tuesday Nov. 18 against Gannon University in Erie, PA.
Emma Saggione is a junior media and culture major with minors in digital marketing and journalism. ES1015304@wcupa.edu