Point Park falls at Rio Grande in RSC East Division matchup

RIO GRANDE, Ohio -- University of Rio Grande (Ohio) won a close second set and went on to win the match in a sweep over visiting Point Park University on Tuesday night. The RedStorm (10-3, 4-0 RSC) won the River States Conference East Division matchup 25-17, 25-23, 25-16 over the Pioneers (3-6, 1-2 RSC).

A key point in the match was when Point Park took a 20-19 lead in the second set on a kill by Mariah Perez. Although the set was later tied at 21, 22 and 23, Rio Grande got the final two points to take control of the match, 2-0. The RedStorm rode that to a conference win. 

Rio Grande had the advantage on the attack with 15 kills in each of the first two sets. The RedStorm ended up with 41 kills compared to 36 for the Pioneers. Eden McElhaney had 10 kills and 12 digs for Point Park with Haley Stormer adding eight kills. Marcella Erichsen contributed five kills hitting .308 for the match.

The RedStorm countered with eight kills from Jordan Brooks and Avery Bruce and seven from Shalea Byrd. Those hitters combined for just one error. Ashton Webb had a big match with 30 digs for Rio Grande.

Point Park had Lily Marchand pick up 11 digs, and Kenzie Zauner had eight. Both Point Park setters Ashlynn Gulakowski and Elise Wallace had 14 assists. 

Point Park will play its next two matches at home Sept. 22-23 versus Shawnee State (Ohio) and Ohio Christian. Both matches continue the RSC schedule.