ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The No. 8 seed Cedar Crest College volleyball team edged past nine-seeded Penn State Berks with a thrilling five-set victory at Lees Gymnasium on Wednesday evening in the First Round of the United East Conference Tournament.  

The Falcons secured the match 25-18, 24-26, 16-25, 25-15, 15-8.

The match began with Cedar Crest establishing an early lead, capitalizing on a kill from senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) and an attack error by the Nittany Lions to go up 2-0. The home team extended their advantage with a service ace by first-year Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community) and strong offensive contributions from Everett and junior Maiya Piccarreta (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area), bringing the score to 6-3. Penn State Berks closed the gap to 9-7, but Cedar Crest responded with a series of kills from Everett, first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21), and senior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson), widening the margin to 14-9. The Falcons maintained momentum with service aces from first-year Sophia Curran (Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier) and Fitzpatrick, pulling ahead 20-12. Despite a brief rally from the Nittany Lions, Cedar Crest secured the first set with a block by Beck and first-year Addison Losik (Big Piney, Wyo./Big Piney), and a service error from the opponent. The Falcons closed the set with a 25-18 win, establishing a strong start to the match.

The Falcons began the second set with a strong offensive push, quickly gaining a 4-0 lead, highlighted by two kills from Everett. Despite a service error, the team maintained momentum with another kill by Everett, extending the lead to 6-1. However, Penn State Berks responded, closing the gap to 7-6, fueled by a series of attack errors from Cedar Crest. The Falcons regained their footing with Everett delivering two crucial kills to tie the score at 9-9. The home team then surged ahead, capitalizing on a service ace by Curran and several errors from the Nittany Lions, to secure a 14-11 advantage. The visitors fought back, leveling the score at 21-21, but Cedar Crest edged forward once more thanks to an attack error by the visitors. In a tense conclusion, the Falcons reached set point at 24-23, but Penn State Berks rallied with three consecutive points to clinch the set 26-24.

Cedar Crest began the third set with an early point from Everett, assisted by Davila, establishing initial momentum. A block by Beck contributed to a brief lead for the Falcons at 5-3. Despite efforts from Losik and Everett, the home team faced challenges as the Nittany Lions responded with a series of successful plays, including service aces and kills, to regain control. Everett continued to find success with multiple kills, keeping Cedar Crest competitive. Penn State Berks capitalized on errors and extended their lead through consistent scoring. Although the Falcons reduced the deficit with a service ace from Piccarreta, Penn State Berks maintained their advantage. The set concluded with the visitors securing a 25-16 victory.

Cedar Crest opened the fourth set with a service ace from Davila, quickly establishing momentum. Following a brief exchange of points, Everett and Beck's blocks allowed the Falcons to gain a slight edge. The home team maintained their lead with Fitzpatrick contributing key kills, closing the gap against the Nittany Lions. Midway through the set, Beck's two consecutive service aces widened the Falcons' lead. The Cedar Crest defense continued to hold strong, with Davila and Piccarreta setting up effective plays that kept the pressure on the visitors. The set concluded as Beck delivered two more service aces, solidifying Cedar Crest's 25-15 set victory.

The Falcons began the fifth set with a strong defensive stand, as Everett blocked an attack from sophomore Madelyn Caris (Mount Airy, Md.) to secure the first point. Cedar Crest then capitalized on errors from the visitors, with Beck contributing back-to-back blocks against Caris, extending the lead to 7-2. Everett and Piccarreta each added kills, and the Falcons continued to pressure Penn State Berks, pushing the score to 12-6. Despite some service errors, Cedar Crest maintained control, with Everett delivering another kill to bring the score to 13-8. The home team concluded the set decisively with a kill from Piccarreta and a service error from the Nittany Lions, securing a 15-8 victory in the final set.

Everett recorded 28 kills and contributed 22 digs over five sets, accumulating a total of 31.5 points. Davila provided significant support with 43 assists, enhancing the team's offensive play. Beck delivered four service aces and led the blocking effort with six total blocks, while also adding 15 digs to her defensive contributions. First-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) was a standout on defense, collecting 33 digs across the five sets.

Junior Libby Swoyer (Reading, Pa.) stood out for Penn State Berks with 38 assists and two service aces across five sets. Caris contributed significantly on defense with 22 digs and led the team with 18 points. First-year Ella Griffiths (Lykens, Pa.) also made an impact defensively, recording 22 digs. Junior Mackenzie Davis (Warsaw, Va.) was a key defensive presence as well, leading the team with 31 digs over five sets.

Cedar Crest (6-22 overall) advances to the United East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals and will travel to top-seeded Penn State Harrisburg on Saturday, November 8. The loss ends the season for Penn State Berks (4-21 overall).