On Oct. 17, the women’s volleyball team played against the nationally ranked number five, Juniata. The two teams met at Etown’s Thompson Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
Juniata and Etown have a unique history with each other. The Eagles have won the past 27 matches against the Blue Jays, and the first match of that streak dates back to 1997. The Blue Jays went into this match looking to end that streak, and Juniata looks to continue their dominant legacy.
The first set began with Juniata taking an early 6-0 lead against Etown, with sophomore outside hitter Emily Farrell getting four kills for the Eagles in the first six rallies. The Blue Jays then began to slowly make their way back in their effort to prevent a clean sweep.
Closing the gap required consistent defense and precise offense, which Etown put together despite the early domination by Juniata. The number five team also began to struggle with attack and service errors, which further assisted the Blue Jays with staying in the game. Sophomore Lucy Stanek and senior Kate Barbon worked together to produce five kills to get the Blue Jays to 18 points, but Juniata started to get into a rhythm, containing Etown and taking the first set 25-18.
The second set resulted in the same 25-18 score, but Etown remained close to Juniata until the finish of the set. The Eagles were once again making repeated service and attack errors. The errors were spread across the team, but junior Maggie Hayes and sophomore Isabella Rushing in particular struggled on the court, with multiple service and attack errors. Etown utilized these errors to stay with the Eagles for as long as possible. Eventually, the Blue Jays plateaued, and the Eagles had five straight scores with Hayes scoring two of the last five points. The Eagles now led them two sets to none, and the Blue Jays faced the possibility of a sweep.
The final set of the night was by far the closest and most exciting, since the outcome of the match was on the line, as Etown looked to prevent Juniata continuing their dominant history. It began with the Eagles once again taking an early lead over the Lady Jays, scoring on the first two rallies. Etown’s sophomore Bailey McFeaters then promptly responded with a kill of her own. The two teams continued to go back and forth, with Juniata continuing to make errors that Etown utilized to their advantage. However, the Eagles managed to get on a roll by the end of the set, and although Etown fought hard, the Eagles earned the 3-0 sweep with a final score in the third set of 25-20.
The loss to Juniata brings the Blue Jays’ record to 13-9 on the season, and 1-3 in the Landmark Conference. It also continues Juniata’s dominating 28 year winning streak against the Blue Jays. As they have won every match against Etown since 1997.
The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back from their loss at a tri-match against Lycoming and Rowan on Oct. 18 at home.
