Sports

Clarion women’s volleyball loses in Elite Eight to Dowling

After one of the greatest seasons in Clarion University sports history, the Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team fell short in the Elite Eight of the Division II national tournament
against the Dowling Golden Lions 25 -17, 25-18 and 25 -15.

It was the first time Dowling had ever advanced past the Elite Eight, making them the first team to advance to the final four out of the eastern conference.

Unfortunately, the Golden Eagles were unable to shake off their nerves, resulting in an uncharacteristic 19 errors throughout the entire match.

“We were a lot more nervous going into this match then we were going into regional’s,” sophomore middle hitter Rebecca Webb said.

“I think that played a factor in how we played today.”

As game one started, Dowling looked like a team that had been there before.

They jumped out to a commanding lead to begin the game before the Golden Eagles knew what was going on.

Explosive outside hitters Kellie Bartman and Kaitlyn Anderson were invisible, while setter Amanda Gough and Libero Rhianon Brady were not playing as consistently as they had
been during the playoff run.

Atlantic Region Coach of the Year Jennifer Harrison tried substituting freshman Emily Stewart into the match for the struggling Anderson, but Stewart, who has been entered into
games this season to provide a spark to her team, was unable to lift the team as it continued to fall behind.

“We were having some ball control situations,” Harrison said.

“We just couldn’t get the ball to the right spots.”

Toward the end of game, however, Clarion went on a late run, cutting the lead to less than 10.

Clarion seemed to be getting their legs underneath them as they began game two.

They jumped out to a quick five-point lead.

However, Clarion’s serving problems reemerged after three weeks of excellent play from the service line.

Even Brady, Clarion’s most consistent from the line, struggled.

Dowling was able to fight back but was unable to take a commanding lead.

The Golden Eagles and Golden Lions traded points back and forth for most of game two, but more defensive lapses and errors from the service line prevented Clarion from putting
the game away.

Dowling took advantage, capturing game two with a late run. Game three was all Dowling.

While Clarion had a few chances to get back into the match, the Golden Lions made it impossible to capitalize on any momentum changers with great front line play.

Like they had done during the entire match, Dowling shut down Bartman, who was held to only six kills, and frustrated Gough who watched part of game three from the bench.

“It was probably something that I should have done earlier,” Harrison said about sitting Gough.

“Amanda just needed a mental break. It was more of a relaxation thing than anything to get her back on the court.“

Back up setter Rebecca Beightol entered the game, but like Gough, was unable to make a positive impact.

No matter what combination of players Clarion put on the floor, it could not play a winning hand, and Dowling won game three.

Despite the loss, it was the best season of any Clarion volleyball team in school history and with only three players leaving after this season, the team will be favored to return to
the National Tournament next season.

“I think they will be a little bit better prepared for this situation (next season),” Harrison said.

“We will have a different mind set going into next season,” Brady said.

“(The Elite Eight) should be our goal.”