Eagles Top Pioneers, Clinch 3-1 Victory on Banner Night

HUNTINGDON, PA- Juniata's women's volleyball team added another win to their unscathed record with a 3-1 win over the Marietta College Pioneers in their home opener Friday night. 

The night began with the program's third consecutive and fifth all-time unveiling of the national championship banner, recognizing the team's perfect 35-0 season and national championship in 2024.

In 2025, the Eagles have followed suit.

Set one against the Pioneers began in back and forth, tightly contested points. Marietta gained a slight edge midway through the set, up by as much as three points. The Eagles kept it tight, and kept responding each time the Pioneers threatened to extend the lead. At 16-16, the Eagles went on a defining 7-0 run which would help them see out the set, 25-21. Maggie Hayes made the final kill, assisted by Elizabeth Cleveland. 

Set two began with a similar streak of points, this time giving the Eagles an early 7-1 lead. The Eagles continued extending their lead, reaching a 14 point advantage at 21-7 after a 5-0 burst. The Pioneers only won consecutive points on one occasion in the set, bringing the score to 23-11 before the Eagles closed out the final two points, taking set two 25-11. Molly Mishinkash clinched the set on another assist by Cleveland. 

The Pioneers had to make a difference in set three, especially after the Eagles jumped out to a 6-2 lead. A 1-6 run shortly after brought the Pioneers back into it, giving them their first lead at 10-11. After five ties and nine traded points, the Pioneers went on a 7-2 run to take a five point lead at just three points away from set point. The lead was still five once Marietta reached set point, and they clinched the set on their first attempt, 19-25. 

Set four was an important one for both sides, with the Pioneers pressured to keep the game alive, and the Eagles eager to put an end to a close match. A commanding 10-1 run to open the set gave the Eagles another early advantage, although the Pioneers responded promptly. They kept chipping away at the lead, coming within one point after a 0-5 run late on. At 18-17 it was crunch time for the Eagles. Six consecutive points were traded between the two teams, and the Eagles reached set point with a three point advantage. Audrey Muth converted a kill assisted by Cleveland to clinch the set and match, 25-21 and 3-1. 

Ava Gummer, alongside Mishinkash, led the team in kills while Cleveland totaled 51 assists. Sophia Repholz added 16 digs on the night.

Now 4-0, the Eagles will host a doubleheader on Saturday against Muhlenberg College at 2:30 p.m. and Ithaca College at 7:30 p.m. in the ASICS Invitational. They will be looking to mark consecutive win number 102 and 103, inching closer to the Penn State record of 109 set from 2007-2010.