Box Score PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia University women's volleyball team took over first place in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) southern division after defeating Wilmington (Del.) 30-28, 25-17, 25-22 Wednesday night in the Gallagher Center.
Philadelphia extends its winning streak to eight, after recording its fifth straight sweep, and improves its record to 10-4 overall, 6-1 against the CACC. Wilmington, who had its four-match winning streak snapped, dips to 12-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play.
The Rams had a balanced offensive attack with three players recording double-digit kills. Courtney Wensel (Bechtelsville, Pa./Berks Catholic) led Philadelphia with 16 kills and 18 digs for her sixth double-double of the year. Corinne Justus contributed a season-best 12 kills, while Chelsea Hughes (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) added 10 kills.
Allison Manley (Saint Charles, Ill./Saint Charles East) added eight kills and 13 digs. Setters Nina Morvin (Willow Grove, Pa./Saint Basil Academy) and Alexandra Harrington (St. Leonard, Md./Huntingtown) recorded 24 and 20 assists, respectively. Michele Chai posted a match-best 25 digs.
Despite the Rams outhitting the visiting Wildcats .214 to .071, the first set featured 15 ties and five lead changes. Philadelphia had the first chance at winning the set up 24-22, but a Wensel service error came the set alive. The error also put the Rams on the defensive as the Wildcats scored three straight points to go in front 25-24. Philadelphia fought off two set points—one on an Alex Siolos service error and the second thanks to a Hughes kill. On the Rams' fourth set point, Lauren Laucella (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) closed out the set with her only kill in the opener. Wensel led the offense with seven of the Rams' 20 kills.
Philadelphia, who never trailed in set two, held a 13-9 lead until Hughes caught fire with four kills during a 7-2 surge to widen the gap to 21-11. Wilmington responded with six points in a row to trim the margin to 21-17. Manley calmed things down with her fourth kill of the set to stop the run. The Rams—who hit a match-high .244—ended the set with four unanswered points.
In the final set, the Rams had to overcome a 20-17 deficit. Justus took over, recording three kills in a 4-1 surge, to help the team rally and tie the set at 21. After a Wilmington timeout, Wensel put down two straight kills, giving the Rams a 23-21 lead. With the Rams in front 24-22, Wensel—who had six kills in the set—ended the match with her 16th kill.
The Rams owned a 51-29 advantage in kills and a 75-55 margin in digs.
Wilmington received nine kills and 10 digs each from Allison Briley and Siolos.
Philadelphia faces Concordia (N.Y.) in a CACC match on Saturday, Oct. 10 at noon in the Gallagher Center.
