ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team defeated the University of Valley Forge in straight sets at Lees Gymnasium on Saturday, winning 25-13, 25-12, 25-17. The Falcons' serving was dominant, recording 14 aces in the victory.

Cedar Crest initiated the first set with a strong start, highlighted by a service ace from senior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) and a kill by first-year Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community), quickly jumping to a 4-0 lead. The team continued to assert control, capitalizing on multiple attack errors from the Patriots. Senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) contributed significantly with a service ace, widening the margin. First-year Phoebe Pietila's (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) entry marked a decisive momentum shift, as the Falcons went on an impressive run, extending their lead to 17-5. Pietila's service ace and Everett's subsequent kill underscored the team's dominant phase. Cedar Crest maintained their advantage with consistent offense and capitalized on Valley Forge's errors. The set concluded with the Falcons sealing a 25-13 win.

The Falcons showcased a strong performance in the second set, capitalizing on a series of plays to gain a decisive edge. Everett led the charge with multiple kills, consistently assisted by Davila. A significant momentum shift occurred when Pietila served a series of aces, contributing to a five-point run that widened the lead. Despite a brief response from the Patriots, including a service ace from first-year Issy Davila (Frederica, Del.), Cedar Crest maintained control. The set concluded with the Falcons extending their lead, ending with a 25-12 score, solidifying a commanding advantage.

The third set began with Valley Forge taking an early lead due to a service error and subsequent points. Cedar Crest responded with a sequence of kills from Fitzpatrick, first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21), and Everett, leveling the score at 3-3. A service ace by Everett then sparked a significant momentum shift, putting the home team ahead 7-4. The Falcons extended their lead with a series of successful plays, highlighted by another strong performance from Fitzpatrick, who delivered multiple kills. A service ace by junior Elyse Holben (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton) further widened the margin, pushing the score to 17-9 in favor of Cedar Crest. Despite a few errors that allowed the Patriots to close the gap slightly, the Falcons maintained control. The set concluded with Beck securing the final points, overcoming Valley Forge's attempts to rally. Cedar Crest closed out the set decisively, finishing with a 25-17 victory.

Everett led the team with five aces and contributed significantly with 17 kills, resulting in a total of 22 points. Pietila excelled defensively, collecting 20 digs and added six aces to the team's serve stats. Davila facilitated the offense by delivering 29 assists, while Fitzpatrick added nine kills and a block assist, finishing with 10.5 points.
 
First-year Hadassah Rivera (Poland, Ohio) anchored the defense for Valley Forge with a team-high 19 digs over three games. First-year Clarissa Lockman (Denver, Pa.) was crucial at the net, contributing six kills and amassing seven points. Sophomore Mattayah Lyndaker (Belton, S.C.) showcased her versatility by delivering four assists and securing seven digs, while also adding a service ace.

Cedar Crest (5-21 overall, 4-5 United East) will conclude the regular season with a home match against Cairn University on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m., marking Senior Night for the Falcons. The University of Valley Forge (7-13 overall, 0-8 United East) next squares off against Wilson College on the road on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m.