On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Penn State Wilkes-Barre women's volleyball team played Penn State Schuylkill at 7 p.m. Players were decked out in their alternative pink uniforms for another match in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The Lady Lions started off strong, capturing the first point of the set. #15 freshman Jazmyne Bates made a light touch over the net to the middle of the court, remaining untouched by Schuylkill players. 

Wilkes-Barre was loud and proud, displaying their dedication for a win after their loss at Schuylkill on Oct. 4. The team had spike upon spike, dominating the opposition. With their confidence and communication, the Lady Lions left Schuylkill scrambling for the ball. 

Both #7 sophomore Sierra Hildebrand and #4 Samantha Snyder made their respective kills after the other team failed to make a pass. It was a close battle for the women, but their perseverance showed through. By the end of the set, the score was 27-26 Wilkes-Barre. 

It was clear the Lady Lions came to play with claws out, rising to greater heights in the second set. There was a good lead from the start, visible excitement from both the players and the fans cheering in the stands. 

Wilkes-Barre had aces on aces, #33 sophomore Armani Simmons making five in a row. #22 freshman Sarah Watkins made a backwards pass over the net, the opposition failing to get hands on the ball. Jazmyne Bates set up good defense for the team at the net, making sure nothing got past. 

Sierra Hildebrand made the winning point of the set, the final score being 25-14 Wilkes-Barre. 

The third set was a nail-biter, both teams going head-to-head. Starting off strong, Samantha Snyder first made a kill, then a soft push of the ball to the other side, where Schuylkill couldn't complete a pass. 

#9 freshman Brianna Whitaker made an ace while at the serving line. Jazmyne Bates made a diving save to the floor, reaching out with one hand. Sierra Hildebrand made sure any pass that came her way would result in a returning spike. 

With the end of the match near, the score was 24-24. Wilkes-Barre became one point ahead, only to be tied once again when Schuylkill returned with an untouchable spike. The Lady Lions sealed the deal after gaining two more points, resulting in a 27-25 Wilkes-Barre win that inches them closer to PSUAC playoffs, which the team has not secured since 2015.

Written by Kyler Burke