JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Clarion (9-10, 3-3 PSAC) defeated Pitt.-Johnstown (12-6, 3-3 PSAC) in four sets on Friday night at the Sports Center, winning 3-1 (21-25, 26-24, 25-23, 26-24). Clarion's defensive effort was highlighted by 86 digs, contributing to their victory.
Haley Fledderjohann contributed significantly with four aces and recorded 31 digs over four sets.
Karlee Berchtold was effective at the net, posting five total blocks while adding six kills.
Kylie Barto orchestrated the play with 24 assists and supported the defense with 16 digs.
Alaina Whitlinger led the offensive attack, finishing with 16 kills and three aces for a team-high 19 points.
The Golden Eagles began the first set with a slow start, conceding the initial four points to Pitt-Johnstown. However, Clarion responded with a four-point run, highlighted by kills from
Alaina Whitlinger and
Claire Bickett, to level the score at 4-4. Throughout the set, Clarion used the block and a service ace from
Lauren Fjerstad to keep the contest tight. A significant sequence featured a series of blocks by
Julia Rodriguez and
Karlee Berchtold, which helped tie the score at 18-18. Despite a resilient effort, Clarion couldn't overcome Pitt-Johnstown's final push, closing the set with a 25-21 deficit.
Clarion began the second set with a slow start, falling behind 4-0 due to early errors and successful attacks by Ellie Zuro Cirino. However, the Golden Eagles quickly regained momentum with a series of successful plays, including a service ace from Fledderjohann that tied the score at 5-5. The team continued to push, leveling the score multiple times and eventually taking a slight lead. The middle of the set saw a consistent battle, with Clarion and UPJ exchanging points. Notable contributions came from Bickett and Whitlinger, who both secured kills to keep the score tight. As the set progressed, Clarion managed to maintain a narrow lead despite strong responses from the home team. In the closing stages, Clarion edged ahead with key kills from
Finley Kearney and
Natalie Karrick. The decisive moment came when Whitlinger sealed the set with a kill, resulting in a 26-24 victory for Clarion.
Clarion initiated the third set with a momentum shift as Caroline Knight's service error gave them the initial point. The visiting team capitalized on UPJ's mistakes, keeping the scoreline tight. Moments of impact included Bickett's kill from Fledderjohann, which helped to keep Clarion neck-and-neck with their opponents. As the set progressed, Clarion found a rhythm, with Rodriguez and Whitlinger contributing crucial kills. A pivotal moment came late in the set when Fledderjohann delivered three consecutive service aces, pushing Clarion to a 24-20 edge. The Mountain Cats rallied briefly, but Bickett's final kill from Barto secured the set for Clarion, closing the set with a 25-23 victory.
Clarion began the fourth set by quickly gaining momentum, thanks to effective plays from Whitlinger and Karrick, who each contributed key kills to keep the score tight at the outset. Midway through the set, Clarion capitalized on UPJ's errors, with Karrick and Kearney combining for consecutive blocks, building a 13-7 advantage. Whitlinger continued to shine with multiple kills and service aces, propelling Clarion to a 21-16 lead. However, the Mountain Cats narrowed the gap to 21-21, fueled by a series of effective plays from Cirino and Knight. Clarion responded with critical blocks from
Emily Klopp and Kearney, regaining control. The set concluded with Clarion edging out UPJ 26-24. The set ended with two decisive blocks, including a final one by Klopp, securing Clarion's win in the fourth set.
