Penn State Sweeps Saint Francis On The Road and Secures the EIVA Conference Title

Story posted April 3, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Emma Holtz

LORETTO, Pa. - Penn State continued its winning ways on Saturday night.

The No. 3/2 Nittany Lions roared into DeGol Arena with a 3-0 sweep against its EIVA rivals, the Saint Francis Red Flash, on Apr. 2.

The first set saw both teams matching one another in a close scoring margin. Middle blocker Toby Ezeonu proved to be lethal down the center lane early for Penn State, contributing to 15 total kills in the first set for the Blue and White.

However, Saint Francis’ blocking core threw off Penn State’s scoring rhythm. Outsider hitter Blake Liprando and middle blocker Thomas Leahey limited Penn State star Cal Fisher’s range from the opposite corner.

Six attack errors committed by Penn State opened the door for the Red Flash to come back 24-24 and forced the first set into extended play.

Opposite hitter Nathan Zini proved to be an ace up the Red Flash’s sleeve to keep the fight close. Penn State’s dynamic outside hitter Brett Wildman accounted for three kills during the extra points period.

Saint Francis’ determined defense delayed Penn State’s advance, but the Nittany Lions eventually won the set 28-26 after four set points.

Both the Nittany Lions and Red Flash went into the second set with seven service errors apiece.

The Blue and White polished their defense and limited the Red Flash to a .043 hitting percentage despite only having two more attacking attempts.

Long rallies from both teams allowed for a show of skills on both offense and defense. Out of his nine total kills on the night, Ezeonu racked up four in the second set giving Penn State the advantage in long rallies.

With a 23-16 lead, Penn State’s offense allowed the Red Flash to close the margin through attacking errors. A service error by Saint Francis setter Ryan Parker improved Penn State’s leads to two sets over the Red Flash.

The Blue and White found its footing early in the third set with Wildman firing four consecutive service aces.

However, Zini provided momentum for the Red Flash, finding defensive targets in Penn State outside hitter Michael Valenzi and libero Will Bantle. Zini was the sole Red Flash athlete to record double-digit kills.

Midway through the third set, the Nittany Lions fed Fisher who heavily contributed to extending the lead over Saint Francis. Fisher’s second service ace of the night clipped the edge of the back service line to put Penn State at a three-point advantage.

A free play scramble sent over by the Red Flash set up Fisher to power through the block and inch Penn State closer to victory with an 18-13 lead.

A scoring run by the Red Flash dialed up the pressure on Penn State to limit errors. Wildman delivered a crucial seventh service ace to force Mike Rumbaugh, Red Flash head coach, to call a timeout.

Penn State’s subsequent match point and 25-18 set three win and 3-0 sweep ultimately closed the door on Saint Francis’ opportunity to close the gap.

Wildman set a new career-high ace record with seven service aces for the senior from Virginia Beach, Va.

The Nittany Lions are undefeated in conference play and clinched the 2022 conference title. The victory elevates Penn State to top standing in the EIVA conference for the 35th time in program history and will host the EIVA Tournament at Rec Hall in University Park, Pa.

Emma Holtz is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email exh5337@psu.edu.