By Cameron Stubbs
The Youngstown State University volleyball team has now participated in two invitationals on the road.
Starting off at the Billiken Invitational, the Penguins dropped their first two matches against both Central Michigan University and Saint Louis University 3-0.
The two-set sweeps were put in the rearview mirror as the Penguins bounced back on Day two and defeated the University of St. Thomas in a set sweep.
Sophomores Kiyah Franklin and Paula Gursching led the way as they both tallied 11 kills.
Following them was senior Josi Borum with 10 kills and freshman Abbie Householder with nine.
Next, the Penguins participated in the Western New York Invitational where they dropped their first match in four sets to the University at Buffalo, but bounced back to win the last two matches of the invitational.
Versus Canisius College the team produced a set sweep behind Gursching and Householder with 15 and 13 kills. Both recorded double-doubles which was Householder’s first of her collegiate career.
A final set win against Bucknell University saw Borum put on a clinic as she became the first Penguin in school history to record multiple triple-doubles in a career.
Borum commented on what this accomplishment meant to her,
“It means a lot” Borum said, “I’m really excited to do it on this team and for this program, it just means a lot to me.
The team is one win away from matching its win total just nine games into the season. Head coach Aline Scott talked about what has changed for the team this season,
“On the volleyball side, our structures are a lot more sound this year and we have more offensive power, that has certainly helped” Scott stated, “The biggest difference maker this year is the culture of the group, they are great teammates to each other.”
The Penguins took on the University of Akron last night Sept 15, a recap of that game is posted on ysusports.com.
The volleyball team returns home to host Kent State University Sept. 16 at the Beeghly Center at 6 p.m. Catch the game on ESPN+ or follow along on ysusports.com