The Slippery Rock University volleyball team wrapped up its season with a five-set (25-21, 25-27, 16-25, 25-22, 15-9) victory over the Seton Hill University Griffins.
In the win, The Rock limited the Griffins to a .120 attack percentage. SRU finished with a .152 attack percentage, 25 points higher than its season average of .127.
Slippery Rock and Seton Hill alternated wins through the first four sets. SRU opened the fifth set by scoring nine of the first 14 points.
Although Seton Hill cut The Rock’s lead to 10-9, SRU responded with five consecutive points to secure the 15-9 match-deciding victory.
The Rock ended the season on a high note, setting season highs in assists (56) and kills (59). SRU held advantages over Seton Hill in kills (59-57), digs (89-87) and attack percentage (.152-.120). Both teams finished with nine blocks.
Ava Haynes led the way for The Rock on Friday night, recording 13 kills, three blocks and nine digs. Hayden Deming and Victoria Nalbach followed with nine kills and two blocks apiece. Ava’s sister, Ali Haynes, finished just one kill shy of matching their totals with eight.
Alayna Esselink led SRU with 26 assists, followed by Emily Loeffler with 13 and Bailey Espana with 10.
Libero Kara Pasquale recorded a season-high 26 digs for The Rock. She was one of three SRU players to reach double-digit digs, with Paityn Krause adding 13 and Ellie Friedrichs contributing 11.
Following the season finale, The Rock held its annual Senior Day celebration. Seniors Victoria Nalbach, Brooke Farrah and Kaitlyn Danszczak, along with student manager Rachel Graham, were recognized for their contributions to the program.
With the victory, SRU finished the season with an 8-18 overall record and a 2-12 mark in PSAC West play, missing out on a spot in the PSAC Tournament.
