ERIE, Pa. — Clarion split a pair of matches to start the Gannon Invitational, losing to Eckerd 3-0 (12-25, 17-25, 19-25) in their opening match, but bounced back with a decisive victory over Malone, winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-12).
Eckerd 3, Clarion 0
RECAP: In the first match against the Tritons, the Golden Eagles struggled offensively, finishing with only 22 kills and a hitting percentage of .037, compared to the Tritons' 41 kills and .217 hitting percentage. Clarion initially took a 3-0 lead in the first set, but after tying the score at 6-6, Eckerd surged ahead to secure a commanding 25-12 win. The second set saw the Golden Eagles cut a five-point deficit down to two, only to fall 25-17 as the Tritons regained control. The third set remained competitive, with Clarion tying the score multiple times, but ultimately, Eckerd closed the match with a 25-19 win.
Raegan Stader was a standout for the Golden Eagles, leading with eight kills and nine points.
Natalie Karrick contributed significantly with nine assists, nine digs, two kills, and one block, while
Kylie Barto also recorded nine assists and six digs.
Cara Vandeborne added three kills on a .375 hitting percentage and collected three total blocks.
Clarion 3, Malone 0
RECAP: In their second match against Malone, the Golden Eagles turned the tide, showcasing a strong offensive performance with 34 kills and nine service aces, while limiting the Pioneers to 23 kills and a .000 hitting percentage. After overcoming a seven-point deficit in the first set, Clarion secured a narrow 25-23 victory, highlighted by a 7-1 run that included key contributions from
Emily Klopp, Karrick, and Stader. The second set saw the Golden Eagles take command with a 6-0 run, leading to a solid 25-15 win. Clarion continued their momentum in the third set, breaking open a close match with six straight points to finish at 25-12.
Taylor Haupt led the Golden Eagles in the match against Malone with a team-high 10 points, including six kills, three service aces, and eight digs. Karrick added six kills, 11 assists, two aces, and two total blocks, while
Kalina Powell excelled defensively with 16 digs and a service ace. Vandeborne also made her mark with five kills on eight attacks and a .625 hitting percentage, along with three total blocks.
