The Youngstown State University volleyball team entered Friday night’s game at Beeghly Center with a 17-game home losing streak.
Valparaiso University swept the Penguins to extend the streak to 18 games. The Penguins fought back to break that streak the next day.
YSU hosted the University of Illinois at Chicago on Saturday, and the Penguins ended their streak.
Sophomore Missy Hundelt and freshman Alexis Egler led the Penguins.
Hundelt compiled 21 kills, 56 total attacks, eight digs and 26.5 points.
“Just a win feels awesome, and for it to be [at] home, there’s really no words to explain it,” she said.
Hundelt, earning her second Jambar Player of the Week honor, finished Friday and Saturday with 59 kills, 94 total attacks, 16 digs and 40.5 points.
“She’s been playing well for us,” head coach Krista Burrows said.
“She’s been doing some good things. We’re just happy to see her produce.”
Right behind Hundelt, Egler also played strong. She amassed 11 kills, 31 total attacks, 10 digs and 15 points on Saturday.
“I know we haven’t got a lot of wins, but it’s really important that we pulled through,” Egler said. “We got down a little bit, but we knew we had to work hard.”
Egler completed the weekend series with 13 kills, 46 total attacks, 14 digs and 17 points.
“She can play much older than her years at times, but we still see those freshman mistakes from her,” Burrows said. “She played really well on Saturday.”
Egler, who is from Clarkston, Mich., was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour All-American Watch List preceding her senior season. She also set school records in assists, sets and serves.
“She’s just a better player than some of the other kids coming in,” Burrows said. “She has a ton of learning to do, but, at least for where we’re at right now, she’s been a good addition for us.”
