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Juniata College
Eagles Defeat Royals in Landmark Championship for 43rd Consecutive Conference Championship
November 16, 2024

Eagles Defeat Royals in Landmark Championship for 43rd Consecutive Conference Championship

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HUNTINGDON, PA- The Juniata women's volleyball team defeated Scranton University 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-20) in the Landmark Conference Championship on Saturday night to secure the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. It's the program's 43rd overall consecutive conference championship and 17th straight Landmark Conference championship. 

Each set in the championship against the Royals started as many people expected: close.

In set one, Juniata opened a narrow lead early. Scranton stayed in it, tying the game at 9-9, and taking their first lead at 9-10. The Eagles then responded quickly with a 4-0 run to establish what had been the largest lead of the set, 13-10. After a Scranton timeout, the Eagles slowly extended their lead as they approached 25 points. The Eagles ended the set hot on a 7-0 run to win it 25-14 on a Scranton attack error. 

Set two unfolded very similarly to set one, with neither team establishing significant separation from the other early. Juniata held the first lead of more than two points at 10-7, and they gradually extended that lead over the course of the set, slowly but surely pulling away from the Royals. The Eagles won seven of the last ten points to clinch a 25-15 set victory on a Lily Podolan kill.

Set three remained tight for longer than sets one and two, as neither team held more than a three point lead until late. That separation fell in favor of the Eagles as they burst ahead of the Royals with a 7-1 run toward the end of the set. Scranton kept fighting though, and they went on a 4-1 run immediately following the Eagle run to bring the score to 23-20. Despite the Royals' efforts, the Eagles were able to hold on and secure set three, 25-20. The final point came by way of a Mackenzie Coley kill. 

Coley, with nine kills (.368) and two blocks, was named MVP of the match. Podolon had a match-high 12 kills, while Olivia Foley added 34 assists. Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez made the match-high 12 digs.

Juniata advances to the NCAA Tournament as Landmark Conference Champions; their opponent is to be determined. Should they advance, the following rounds will take place on Friday and Saturday.