On Saturday, the Waynesburg University volleyball team played two games at home starting with a loss against Grove City 3-1, and a comeback win against La Roche to win 3-2.

Waynesburg started the game with an exchange of sets, losing by eight in the first set and winning by two in the second set. The following two sets were sluggish for the Yellow Jackets, losing by nine in the third set and by thirteen in the fourth set. Grove City outscored Waynesburg in every stat throughout the game.

The second game was one to remember for the Jackets, coming back to win 3-2 against La Roche. Waynesburg had a change of pace in the second game, outscoring the Redhawks by thirteen points, along with having six more aces than La Roche, leading to the team’s second win of the season.

After losing the first two sets by three and six, Waynesburg rallied back, winning the third set by seven. The Yellow Jackets backed this set win by winning the next one by four, and finishing the rally by winning by six in the fifth to take the win.

Junior Kristina Zadrozny led Waynesburg with twenty-seven kills between the two games today. She said her thoughts on why the team did better in the second game today.

“I think the main change between both games was in the second game we did not let up,” Zadrozny said. “We kept pushing for every single point and eventually it got us the win.”

Zadrozny also said about how important this win was for the team.

“I think the win for us was very important.” Zandory said. “Hopefully now we can use the energy to drive us to the next win.”

Senior Emily Stutzman led the team in aces throughout both games today. Stutzman said the importance of getting aces in both games can help shift the momentum for Waynesburg.

“Even though I didn’t play outside of serving, leading both games in aces definitely shifted the momentum. It forced the other team out of the system and gave us a chance to capitalize on free balls and broken plays,” Stutzman said. “Serving aggressively helped set the tone and gave our defense a chance to read and respond.”

Stutzman also spoke about how the team plans to prepare for their next game after coming off an exciting win, stating.

“That win gave us a glimpse of what we’re capable of when we stay locked in and play with grit. But we know La Roche wasn’t a conference opponent, and the real tests are still ahead,” Stutzman said. “To push forward, we need to treat every practice like it is a game day – by tightening our serve receive, sharpen our communication, and stay mentally tough when the pressure hits.”

The volleyball team steps back onto the court on Thursday when the Yellow Jackets host the Franciscan Barons. The first serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m with a JV game to follow.