MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team fell to top-seeded Penn State Harrisburg in straight sets, 25-10, 25-11, 25-16, on Saturday morning at the Capital Union Building during the United East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.

The Falcons began the first set with an early advantage, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to a kill by first-year Addison Losik (Big Piney, Wyo./Big Piney) and an attack error by the Lions. Senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) and first-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) contributed with key plays to keep the Cedar Crest competitive, maintaining a tight scoreline at 5-3 in favor of the visitors. As the set progressed, Penn State Harrisburg shifted momentum, led by senior Hannah DeGregory's (Fairfax, Va.) strong offensive performance, including multiple service aces that helped them capture the lead at 8-5. Despite efforts by the Falcons, including a kill from senior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson), the Lions continued to capitalize on errors and extended their lead. The set closed with Penn State Harrisburg sustaining their advantage, finishing with a 25-10 score.

Cedar Crest started the second set with a lineup that included junior Maiya Piccarreta (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area) and Everett, but Penn State Harrisburg quickly established momentum. Despite the Falcons' efforts, early errors set the tone as they fell behind 4-0. The Lions capitalized on these mistakes, extending their lead to 6-1. Cedar Crest managed to interrupt the run with a couple of points off service errors, bringing the score to 10-5. First-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) and Everett contributed with kills, yet Penn State Harrisburg maintained control, pulling ahead 15-9. The Falcons' attempts to close the gap were hindered by further errors. The set concluded with the Lions maintaining their lead, finishing 25-11.
In the third set, Cedar Crest initially struggled as the Lions opened with a quick two-point lead, highlighted by a kill from junior Brianna Ondishin Ribon (Basking Ridge, N.J.). The Falcons responded with a service error from the opponent, and Piccarreta added a kill to keep the score close at 3-2. However, Penn State Harrisburg capitalized on some attacking errors to extend their lead.

Despite trailing, Cedar Crest showed resilience with a series of points, including kills by Beck and Everett, narrowing the gap to 13-10. A service ace by Davila further reduced the deficit. However, the Lions regained control with a run of points, including a decisive kill by junior Camryn Wettstone (Topsfield, Mass.), which increased their margin. The Falcons faced a challenging end to the set as Penn State Harrisburg reached match point at 24-14. Cedar Crest managed to delay the close with a couple of points from service errors and an attack error by the opponent, but the Lions secured the set 25-16 with a final kill by first-year Nicole Dos Santos (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

Everett posted four points, recording three kills and five digs. Davila contributed seven assists and added a service ace. Beck finished the match with three kills, contributing three points. Pietila recorded a perfect hitting percentage with one kill on one attempt and tallied 10 digs.

DeGregory emerged as a standout for Penn State Harrisburg, leading the team with 14 kills and an impressive .650 hitting percentage over three sets. Her performance was underscored by four service aces and a total of 18 points. Junior Kate Bukowski (Washington, D.C.) contributed significantly on defense with 12 digs, bolstering the team's back row efforts. She also added two service aces. Wettstone made her presence felt at the net, recording 11 kills and a solo block, contributing to her 12 total points. Dos Santos was efficient in her attacks, achieving a hitting percentage of 1.000 with two kills on two attempts while adding 10 digs to her defensive tally.

The loss ends the season for Cedar Crest (6-23 overall). Penn State Harrisburg (20-5 overall) advances to the United East Conference Tournament Semifinals and hosts fifth-seeded Cairn University on Tuesday, November 11.