Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Penn College hosted a Tri-Meet in Bardo Gymnasium Saturday afternoon as part of Homecoming Weekend. In the first game, the Wildcats lost to Gallaudet University, 0-3; in the second game, Elmira topped Gallaudet, 3-2; and in the third game, Elmira beat Penn College, 3-1.  The Wildcats fell to 1-15 overall, 0-4 NEAC, while Gallaudet improved to 5-17 overall, 2-2 NEAC, and Elmira jumped to 8-12.    
 
Game #1: Penn College dropped three straight sets to the Bison: 25-12, 25-22, 25-15.    
 
Inside the Box: The statistical leaders for Penn College, include:
Kills: Mingus (5), Butz (4), Homan (3)
Aces: Burnett (2), Oswald (1), Wilson (1)
Assists: Mahler (11), Butz (1), Wilson (1)
Digs: Burnett (9), Oswald (8), Mingus (4)
 
Outside the Box: The Bison struck early, but the Wildcats battled back.  After dropping the first set, the Wildcats rallied in the second set to make it a game.  Down 15-8, the Wildcats went on a 8-2 run to get within one point, 17-16.  Mackenzie Mahler set up Kylie Butz with the kill to stay within striking distance, down 19-18.  After a couple errors by both teams, Gallaudet went on to win the set 25-22.  Penn College struggled to find their rhythm in the third set as the Bison went on to win the set, 25-15, and take the game. 
 
Abigale Mingus had a solid overall game with 5 kills and 4 digs while Mackenzie Mahler dished out a team high 11 assists. 
 
After the game, Head Coach Bambi Hawkins noted, "We had our ups and downs in each set.  As our players continue to recover from injury, we need to focus on our consistency."  The Wildcats returned Coryn Oswald in her first appearance back from injury.  "Coryn gives us another offensive threat and depth," said Hawkins.  "With Savanna Slough sidelined, we look to have other players continue to step up," continued Hawkins. 
 
Game #2: The Eagles topped the Wildcats in four sets: 16-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-18.    
 
Inside the Box: The statistical leaders for Penn College, include:
Kills: Homan (9), Oswald (8), Marnati (6)
Aces: Mahler (3), Marnati (1), Homan (1)
Blocks: Marnati (2), Butz (1), Mingus (1)
Assists: Mahler (19), Marnati (2), Butz (2)
Digs: Burnett (19), Oswald (14), Mahler (8)
 
Outside the Box: The Wildcats came out focused and on the prowl.  Down 12-8 in the first set, the Wildcats went on a 10-0 run to take a significant lead 18-12.  It started with Mackenzie Mahler on serve which included 2 aces as part of the 10-0 run.  With the pressure on and leading 21-16, the Wildcats rattled off four straight points, finished with kills by Coryn Oswald and Hannah Burnett to win the first set. 
 
Elmira adjusted with their lineup, but it didn't phase Penn College in the second set.  Peyton Homan had a service ace to take an early 10-9 lead.  The back and forth battle continued and the Wildcats looked to have momentum when they scored on an error by Elmira, to be down one point 21-22.  But then Elmira finished on a 3-0 run to win the set. 
 
The third set looked virtually identical to the second, but the Wildcats aimed for a different result.  Peyton Homan, stepped up for the team, and led an offensive attack which included 5 kills.  Elmira needed extra points to gain the two point advantage to win 26-24.  The fourth and final set proved to be too much for the Wildcats as Elmira went on to win the set and take the match. 
 
Coach Bambi Hawkins noted, "When we are focused, we play some very good volleyball."  The Wildcats had a balanced all-around attack against Elmira and showed signs of getting over the hump.  "We competed very hard today and we need to learn how to capitalize on the opponent's errors," continued Hawkins. 

Up Next: Penn College returns to action when they travel to Penn State Berks to face a NEAC Quad-Meet on Saturday, October 12 against Morrisville State at 12:00 PM and Cazenovia at 2:00 PM.