By China Goodson
The Youngstown State University volleyball team defeated Robert Morris University after five intense sets at the Beeghly Center Oct. 7.
The Penguins started strong, winning the first two sets in a dominant fashion 25-22 and 25-17. Despite having an 8-3 lead to start the third set, the Penguins fell late to the Colonials 26-24 and were controlled in the fourth, losing 25-20.
Youngstown State regrouped in the final set and snatched the win, outscoring RMU 15-9.
Sophomore outside hitter Paula Gursching broke the school record with 33 kills. She also added 20 digs for the first 30-kill, 20-dig production in program history.
Gursching said she was unaware she broke the school record following the match.
“Oh! I didn’t know that,” Gursching said. “It feels good, very nice.”
Along with Gursching, other Penguins gave notable performances on the court. Freshman middle blocker Julia Sell had 10 blocks — the most by a YSU player since the 2016 season. Junior outside hitter Elise Moller contributed nine kills and three aces to help push the Penguins to victory.
Head coach Aline Scott said she is satisfied and relieved after earning the win against RMU.
“This is huge,” Scott said. “I mean we’re home and we’ve been learning how to win and we put ourselves in these tight situations often and have not been able to come out with a win in a tight situation, so I’m really happy for them and for us that they can see we can do it.”
The Youngstown State volleyball team’s current record is 8-10. The Penguins are preparing for a three-match conference road trip.
The first matchup is against the Raiders of Wright State University on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.
Tune into the game on ESPN+ and for live sports go to ysusports.com
