Sports

Women’s volleyball wins conference championship

The score was 24-14, game point. One point and history would be made. For ordinary teams this would be a nerve -racking moment, but Clarion’s Volleyball squad is no ordinary team.

They were cool and confident, the way they had been all year.

While eventual PSAC Playoff MVP and PSAC Player of the year, Kellie Bartman, stood at the service line displaying pure concentration, Amanda Gough was dancing on the court.

The crowd was on their feet; the emotion was starting to build.

The time was upon them.

Bartman’s serve was a low line drive kind of serve that barely cleared the net, a typical Bartman serve.

Edinboro’s Maureen Tilert was in correct position and made the pass to Megan Osysko, who then made a perfect quick pass to Beyaca Martin, who flew above the net to make
contact with the ball.

The ball tipped off the fingers of Rebecca Webb and began heading to an empty space in the Clarion defense.

It was not empty for long. Clarion’s, Rhianon Brady, came out of nowhere to make a fully extended diving pass.

The ball flew perfectly to Bartman, who passed the ball to the waiting Kaitlyn Anderson.

The ball soared over the net into the Edinboro defense.

Two players dove for the ball and redirected toward the net.

It hit the net and then the ground.

The gym erupted with cheers as head coach Jennifer Harrison had tears in her eyes and the team embraced as champions.

For the first time in 22 years, the Clarion Golden Eagles Volleyball team was PSAC Champions after disposing Edinboro 3-1.

Edinboro, who is considered one of the better teams in the nation, defeated the Golden Eagles in game one of the best of five championship series at Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium
Saturday evening, Nov. 13, 25-22.

It was the first game Clarion had dropped during the whole playoff run.

“Of course, we were a little concerned,” Harrison said.

“Toward the end of that game though we started playing better and minimized errors.”

The rest of the contest was controlled by Clarion; as the Golden Eagles took the next three games in dominant fashion 25-16, 25-20 and 25-14 to take home the title.

“I’ve never won a championship ever in my life,” Bartman said.

“It’s a great feeling, and we had a lot of fun.”

Edinboro had no answer to the power, strength and athleticism of Clarion’s front line the entire evening.

Second team All – PSAC Rebecca Webb racked up seven kills and seven blocks, fellow outside hitter, Kaitlyn Anderson had 14 kills and 14 digs and Freshman Hannah Heeter added
five kills.

Gough chipped in 45 assists and had six kills, while Brady had another stellar defensive performance with 37 digs and was once again all over the court to keep volleys alive.

“(Brady) is our leader on the court,” Harrison said.

“Our team looks to her and when she is playing well, the team is playing well.”

No players left a bigger impression on Edinboro quite like Bartman however.

Bartman had a career night with 22 kills, 11 digs, two assists and a service ace.

“Kellie has really become a complete player,” Harrison said.

“She has developed both physically and mentally to become a real force.”

The win cemented Clarion as the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Region heading into the Division II tournament where they will face off against Chowan University, which is located in
North Carolina, Friday afternoon, Nov. 19.

The Hawks won the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Nov. 7 and will prove as a tough opening match for the Golden Eagles.

“They are a well coached team,” Harrison said.

“They are doing some good things down there.”

The Golden Eagles will look to contain Chowan’s most explosive players Victoria Lewis and Karina Monroe, as they battle the Hawks Friday at Edinboro.

The match begins at 2:30 p.m. with fan buses being provided by the Athletic Department.