Box Score

CLARION, Pa. – Junior Sarah Smith recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 13 kills and 14 digs, but it was not enough for East Stroudsburg University in a 3-1 defeat at Clarion on Friday. Set scores were 25-19, 25-20, 18-25, 25-23.

Julia Holden led the Golden Eagles (17-8, 8-4 PSAC) with 17 kills and four blocks, while Aubrey Wrona added 14 kills and eight digs. ESU (18-6, 8-4 PSAC) maintained a two-game lead over West Chester and Millersville in the Southeast division standings after both also suffered road defeats this evening.

After dropping the first two sets, the Warriors trailed 11-5 midway through the third before mounting a spirit comeback attempt. A kill by senior Tina Predojevic capped a 9-2 run which put the visitors ahead 14-13, and they gradually increased that advantage for the remainder of the frame. A block by redshirt sophomore Trea-sure Ketter and Sam Dunphy clinched the set for ESU.

There were several momentum swings in the fourth set, as an early 6-2 Warrior lead turned into a 10-7 deficit. With the set tied 12-12, the teams traded 4-0 runs to once again find themselves level at 16 apiece.

The Warriors ultimately found themselves trailing 24-21. They saved the first two match points, but a kill by Holden sealed the contest for the Golden Eagles on their third chance.

Dunphy had a career-high 17 digs to lead ESU's defensive effort, and she also added four blocks. Freshman Emily Meredith chipped in 16 digs, while junior Jasmine Williams recorded five kills (.444 attack percentage) and a team-high five blocks.

The Warriors remain on the road Saturday afternoon, as they travel to IUP for a 1 p.m. PSAC matchup.