On Saturday, Oct. 12, our Vulcans (3-12, 0-6) hosted the Pitt Johnstown Mountain Cats (15-3, 3-2). It was also the Vulcans’ Senior Day and they recognized four seniors—Julia Blair, Allie Droneberger, Sophia Johnson, and Natalie Beer. Congratulations to our senior Vulcans! 

The first set started as a back-and-forth set until the Mountain Cats scored 5 in a row, giving them a commanding 15-9 lead. They never looked back after that, having a few multiple-score runs and not giving the lead back to the Vulcans. The Vulcans fell in the first set 15-25.

The second set started great for the Vulcans, as they sprouted to a 5-2 lead after scoring 4 straight points. Unfortunately, the Mountain Cats retaliated with a few bursts of multiple points, keeping the set close. At one point, the set was tied 19-19, until the Mountain Cats scored 4 straight points, and the Vulcans could not come back after that. They lost a back-and-forth second set 21-25.

The third set was a great showing for the Vulcans, taking the lead with their second point and rarely looking back, holding the lead and at one point leading 24-19, needing only one point to win the third set. Despite this, the Mountain Cats managed to go on a 5-0 run, evening the score at 24-24 and forcing extra play. The momentum was in the Mountain Cats favor and they won in extra play. The Vulcans lost a close third set 25-27, and the match 0-3.

Seniors Allie Droneberger and Sophia Johnson led the offense, tying with the lead of team kills at 7. Assists were led by the Freshman Morgan Johnson, who had 16. Sophia Johnson and Junior Elisa Rugiero tied for the lead of blocks at 5.

The Vulcans look for their first conference win this Saturday, Oct. 19 at noon, as they travel to Erie to take on the two-time defending PSAC Champion Gannon.