Sports Story
Penn State Harrisburg’s Women’s Volleyball team (18-8) played an intense game against the Dickinson Devils (13-9). The energy was upbeat and the Lions looked relaxed, yet focused as they warmed up. Alyssa Snyder and Olivia Koicuba, both powerhouses in their own right, were seen singing along to Kanye West’s song Hurricane, and in the next breath, were seen ferociously spiking the ball over the net with ease. The Devils’ are also an impressive team, with #12, Emma Lange, Senior, standing out. Immediately, once warm-ups started, you could see her power and determination with every hit. Her powerful serves combined with strong defensive skills and coordination makes her an eye-catching player.
The Lion’s team captain, Megan Morris, Junior, managed to get 22 digs during the game. She leads the team with grace, always ready to score a point for the team. The team’s communication was top tier. Everyone seems to get along, and when one player scores, the whole team erupts in cheer. Dickinson supporters in the crowd could be seen rising from their seats and dancing along to the music between breaks. The Lions started the game well, The Lions took the opening set, though they eventually trailed the Devils by scores of 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, and 25-23. The first set featured the Lions triumphantly pulling off a 5-0 lead after Cheyanna Buckingham killed off a Snyder assist.
The Lions continued to pull off an increasing score against the Devils, which featured a 5-9 halfway through the game but the Red Devils accomplished 20-20 late in the set. Cheyanna Buckingham, Tori Henderson, Tiirina Tubo and Melanie Sheaffer helped close out the set with kills. This resulted in the Lions having a 5-2 run. The second set ended with no explicit champion. However, the Lions were able to achieve a score of 17-13, due to Anna Ruff and Snyder executing successful blocks. Dickinson responded to the powerful hits with four straight points before scoring three of the final four to even out the match at one set apiece.
Alyssa Snyder was also honored at the game for being the second player in Penn State Harrisburg Women’s Volleyball history to hit 1,000 assists. This resulted in a celebratory cheer that bursted throughout the gym. Snyder was applauded by her team, with endearing hugs. The emotions of happiness and gratitude could be seen on her face from a mile away, as she began to tear up while smiling from ear to ear.
The third set had everyone stuck to their seat and glued to the scoreboard until the middle of the set. The Devils managed to get a seven-point lead over the Lions. They also managed to hold off a late push by the Lions that included a kill by Henderson that brought the score to 21-17. The Red Devils fought back by achieving a 4-2 run which closed out the set. The fourth set came with more intensity and more surprises. The Lions managed to pull off a 8-4 lead thanks to a kill with the help of Sheaffer and an assist from Morris. Dickinson responded with five consecutive points. The Lions trailed behind, 15-10, but managed to get seven of the next eight points. The Lions were determined to get back in the lead, with the help of blocks from Buckingham and Ruff. The Devils came out on top with a 24-20 lead.
