Box Score

LOCK HAVEN – Clarion's bid for a repeat PSAC women's volleyball crown was ended when Lock Haven rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Golden Eagles 3-2 Friday night in Lock Haven.
 
Clarion (19-12) built the 2-0 lead on the strength of 25-23 and 25-20 wins in the first two sets before Lock Haven rallied to take the final three by scores of 25-17, 25-23 and 15-12.
 
“It came down to finishing, and we failed to do that,” Clarion head coach Jennifer Mills said. “Communication became an issue, and we started giving too many balls back.”
 
Kellie Bartman led the Golden Eagles with 14 kills and 11 digs, while Kaitlyn Anderson had 12 kills and seven digs. Corinne Manley chipped in eight kills and seven blocks, and Rebecca Webb had nine kills and four blocks.
 
Amanda Gough set up the offense with 38 set assists and added 16 digs and five blocks, while Rhianon Brady had 33 digs.
 
Gao Xuan had 19 kills to lead Lock Haven, while Haley Gribler had 14 kills and Bailey Farhting 12.
 
Clarion now waits to see if it receives a bid to the NCAA Division II, which will be announced Sunday. The Golden Eagles would appear to be in good shape for one having been ranked third in the last regional poll with the top eight making the tournament.  
 
Lock Haven (20-8) will face California in the PSAC Championship match Saturday.
 
NOTES – This was Clarion's third straight trip to the PSAC semifinals … The Golden Eagles lost to Lock Haven in the 2009 semifinals and beat Kutztown last year before topping Edinboro in the PSAC title game.