By Jackson Toal

The Harrisburg Area Community College Hawks’ Women’s Volleyball team defeated the Community College of Philadelphia Lions’ Women’s Volleyball team with great middle play and spread out defense in three sets, 25-17, 25-14, 25-9.

The Lions’ first set started close with the score at 3-3, with great rallies by both teams. However, miscommunication and out-of-bounds serves plagued both teams. The Hawks’ first serve went out of bounds, but the Hawks’ second serve fell between two Lions’ players, resulting in a 2-1 lead for the Hawks. The Lions fought back with Aniyiah Winchester scoring three winners, one of them coming off of a great save by Sofia Arborio, and an ace for the Lions. The Hawks also scored an ace and the Lions had a winner with Arborio off a bump set from Omaira Gonzalez.

The second set did not go the Lions’ way after a huge block from Onyi Patrick and an early net violation. An out serve by Patrick and errors by Ellawyn Marvelous, and Arborio set the Lions back. The Hawks scored a winner off a block attempt from Winchester and after a long rally, the Hawks made the score 14-5, forcing a Lions’ timeout. After multiple digs from Marvelous, the Hawks eventually got a point off a net violation, making it 18-9. A big spike from Patrick and a service ace from Arborio made it 23-13. However, with a return error on Ortiz, the Hawks took the second set from the Lions.

The third set was a complete blowout by the Hawks. They compiled an early lead, scoring from two big plays – a spike and a tip down off of a Lions’ save. However, Mahogany Williamson-McCants scored a huge tip on a tight return for the Lions, making it 11-6 Hawks. The set slowly slipped away from the Lions. The Hawks took a huge lead, 22-6 despite some positive signs from the Lions. Arborio placed a great bump making the Hawks cause an error and giving the Lions a point. But with a missed hit on serve from Ortiz and another Lions’ error, the Hawks took the set.

The Hawks’ spread-out defense and middle offense played a huge role in the win over the Lions. However, on the Lions’ side, there was still some hope. The Lions had some long rallies and scored some great points, but in the end, got outplayed. The defense from the Lions also came up with some huge saves, nice digs and block attempts.

Postgame recap can be found on the Philadelphia Vanguard Media YouTube channel. Coaches and players were unavailable for comments after the game.

A replay of the game is available on the CCP Athletics YouTube channel.

The Lions are going on a two-game road trip. The next home game for the Lions will be Wednesday, October 14, against Manor College at 7:00 p.m. in the Athletics Center.