EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – The Millersville University volleyball team drops to the Warriors from East Stroudsburg University in three sets, dropping to 0-2 in conference play. Set scores were 25-21, 25-16, and 25-17. 

Millersville (4-9, 0-2) finished the match with 29 kills, two aces, four blocks, and 59 digs, but East Stroudsburg (10-4, 1-0) proved more efficient, hitting .271 while racking up 44 kills and five aces to secure the win. Alex Nava and Taylor Welter paced the Marauder offense, while Sam White contributed 3 blocks and five kills in the effort. Becca Hartranft anchored the defense with a team-high 22 digs on the night.

The Warriors opened the match strong, jumping out to a 4-1 lead in the first set. Millersville quickly responded, tying the score behind a kill from Caroline Halsey and a pair of East Stroudsburg errors. The set remained tight, with the Marauders holding a narrow one-point edge for much of the frame. However, with the score even at 19-19, East Stroudsburg surged late to take the opening set.

Millersville looked to build off its early momentum in set two, sparked by a block from Amanda Protzman and Welter. The teams traded points in the early going, but the Warriors pulled away with an eight-point lead at 18-10. Despite key plays from Nava, Halsey, and White to disrupt multiple ESU runs, the Marauders were hampered by errors and dropped the second set.

East Stroudsburg maintained its control in the third, once again jumping out to an early lead. Millersville continued to battle, with offensive efforts from Nava, Protzman, and Hailey Lazur attempting to close the gap. Still, the deficit proved too much, and the Marauders fell in straight sets to the Warriors.

"The team played better this evening," said head coach Brian Smith. "After two sets, we had 21 kills, and their all-conference middle had 16 herself. We couldn't slow her down, but we played as a team and competed. I think we will be better matched for tomorrows match."

The Marauders' next match is Saturday, Oct. 4 when they travel to Kutztown University for another PSAC conference match-up.