Reading Pa. (Oct. 20, 2021)- Alvernia University (8-12, 1-5) defeated Albright College (5-8, 1-5) in a 3-1 decision on Wednesday night in MAC Commonwealth Women's Volleyball action at Alvernia.

The Golden Wolves started fast, jumping out to an 8-3 lead in the first set, with Alvernia picking up five points on Albright errors, an ace from Gabrielle DeLucca, and kills from Rachel Sipling and Kayleigh Kehler. 

Late in the first set, a kill by Olivia Frutiger as well as a service ace from Alexis Schwenk helped extend the lead to seven, 23-16. Sophomore Rachel Sipling was able to record the final kill of the set, with Alvernia winning, 25- 18.

The second set started close with neither team letting up. However, the Lions continued to apply offensive pressure going on a 6- 2 run. Frutiger and Sipling quickly helped spark a run for the Golden Wolves, bringing the deficit to just one, 17-16.

Three quick points for the Lions gave them a four-point lead. Alvernia bounced back though, as two kills by Frutiger helped provide a seven-point run. Despite this late-set push, the Lions were able to go on a 6-1 run, which gave them the set, 26-24.

The third set started even with both teams putting up a fight. Halfway through the set, Sipling led an 8-1 run which gave Alvernia a five-point lead. Despite a strong push from Albright later in the set, the Golden Wolves were able to take the set 27-25, with Elizabeth Gillespie recording the final kill.

After jumping out a 4-0 lead in the fourth set, Alvernia led the set wire-to-wire. Gillespie and Sipling sparked Alvernia's early run to put the Golden Wolves up 11-4 early. Despite making it close, Albright never tied or took the lead, with Alvernia claimining the set 25-19 and the match 3-1.

Sipling led all players with 22 kills, inlcuding eight in the fourth set, and 11 digs. Gillespie recorded a season-high 11 kills to go with ten digs. Frutiger also tallied eleven kills while Deana Klunk dished out 21 assists.

The Golden Wolves return to action this Saturday at home for a tri-match with Rutgers-Camden and Brooklyn College.