Volleyball’s late push not enough for loss against ESU

Friday, November 7

Millersville, PA

6:00 PM

Millersville University

6-19,1-10PSAC

East Stroudsburg

20-5,10-2PSAC

East Stroudsburg

Millersville

Photo by: Kaya Wagner 2025

Volleyball’s late push not enough for loss against ESU

11/7/2025 7:55:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Bailey Smith, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Although the Millersville University women's volleyball team out-blocked the Warriors from East Stroudsburg University, a late push in the third set fell short, resulting in another tough loss for the Marauders. Set scores were 25-16, 25-19, and 25-21.

Millersville (6-19, 1-10) held strong at the net with eight total blocks, including four from Caroline Halsey. The Marauders recorded 28 kills, seven aces, 28 assists, and 55 digs in the match. Offensively, Alex Nava, Becca Hartranft, and Taylor Welter led the attack, while Hartranft, Julia Chunta, and Makenzie Muscarello anchored the defense, combining for 35 digs in the back court. East Stroudsburg (20-5, 10-2) out-hit the Marauders combining for a .281 hitting percentage.

The Marauders jumped out to an early 2-0 lead to open the match, but the Warriors quickly responded with four straight points. Millersville battled back to tie it, yet a 6-0 East Stroudsburg run put the Marauders behind 11-5. Despite strong efforts from Sam White, Welter, and Hartranft, Millersville couldn't halt the Warriors' momentum as ESU closed out the first set on a 7-3 run.

The second set opened with back-and-forth play as Millersville began to find its offensive rhythm. Trailing by just one, the Marauders saw the Warriors pull away with a 4-0 run. Hartranft cut the deficit to two, but East Stroudsburg maintained control. With the score at 20-13, Hartranft and Muscarello sparked a 3-0 run, but the Warriors' defense held firm. East Stroudsburg closed out the set on a 5-3 run to take a 2-0 match lead.

Halsey and White helped the Marauders grab another early advantage, taking a 4-3 lead in the third set. After the score knotted at eight, Marin Esch and a few ESU errors pushed Millersville back in front. With the score at 13-12, Esch and Trinity Baldwin fueled a 3-0 run to extend the lead. The Marauders continued to stay ahead behind kills from Nava and Hartranft, but following an East Stroudsburg timeout, the Warriors regained momentum and closed the match on a 7-1 run to seal the victory.

"I'm pleased with the constant improvement in our blocking as a team. The team continues to battle," said head coach Brian Smith. "Tomorrow is Senior Day and our last home match. It's always a little sad but also fun. We look forward to playing tough and celebrating three amazing Marauders."

Join the Marauders on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. as they host the Golden Bears from Kutztown University for senior night to celebrate Taylor Welter, Caroline Halsey, and Kinsey Reuwer.