Women's Volleyball Move Past No.12 Eastern 3-1

ST. DAVIDS, PA – The No.1 Juniata women's volleyball team (13-0, 1-0 Landmark) shut down the No. 12 Eastern Eagles 3-1 (25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 25-22) on Eastern's home court Friday night.

Juniata came out strong in the first two sets, totaling 27 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Down by two sets, Eastern would pull together in the third to take the set 25-22. As Eastern battle back, their crowd continued to get loud and amp up the energy. 

"When you've got a high ranking, you've got a target on your back," head coach Heather Pavlik said. "We've got to get used to playing in loud, hostile environments. That's how we're going to get better and that's how we're going to get tougher." 

Eastern continued to push back against Juniata in the fourth set. The No.1 Eagles went on an 11-4 run after the score was tied at six early in the set. After their seven-point lead was cut to four off of two errors, Juniata called a timeout. JC would go up 20-14 before Eastern would gain some more ground. 

Juniata reached match point on a kill from Brittanie Tannenbaum (Highlands Ranch, CO / Highlands Ranch). Eastern would trim the JC lead to two points before making an attack error that would cost them the match. 

Nakita Gearhart (Waynesboro, PA / Greencastle-Antrim) and Megan Moroney (Mentor, OH / Mentor) led the Blue and Gold on offense. Gearhart recorded a .550 hitting percentage on 13 kills on 20 attempts. Moroney followed with 11 kills on 21 attempts and a .429 hitting percentage.

"The two middles did a really good job tonight," Pavlik said. "When we have people struggling or hurting, other people are stepping up. That's what being a team is all about."

Kristin Collins (Freedom, PA / Ambridge) recorded a season-high 10 kills on 19 attempts.

Juniata returns to Landmark Conference play tomorrow with matches against Moravian and Elizabethtown at the home of the Blue Jays. First up for JC is Moravian at 1:30 p.m.