Knights rally past Mercyhurst Prep
Eisenhower prevails in 15-12 fifth set Monday
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RUSSELL -- Eisenhower battled back from an 0-2 deficit to come from behind and defeat Mercyhurst Prep 23-25, 13-25, 25-16, 25-21, 15-12 in nonregion volleyball action Monday.
It was more than a volleyball game for the Knights and Lakers, as both teams and members of the crowd came together to raise money for the volleyball program's annual "Pink Out" night where money is raised to assist a family or individual battling cancer.
"I just want to thank all of the players from both teams, their families, students and fans as $300 was raised for a family wife/mother who recently was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer," Eisenhower head coach Lori Pascuzzi said. "It means a lot to our program that both teams and the community come together to support our effort to give back."
With two quick set losses and their backs against the wall, the Knights came out determined and quickly won the third set 25-17, followed by a 25-21 win in the third set to set up a fifth-and-final set.
With both teams battling for every point, the third set was back and forth before Eisenhower was able to pull away for a 15-12 win to claim the match 3-2.
"It's good to see the team can come together and fight back," Pascuzzi said. "It was the first reverse sweep of the season and they accomplished it against a great team. Hopefully it inspires the players to keep digging and press through the rest of the regular season.
Leading the way for Eisenhower was Paisley Lawson, who had 10 kills, an ace, two blocks, 16 digs and eight serve receptions. Alanna Byrd had two kills, five aces, four blocks, 15 digs and four serve receptions. Ashlynn Zimmerman had a kill, three aces, seven blocks, five digs and two serve receptions. Meredith Smyth had a kill, two aces, a block, 21 digs and 12 serve receptions. Navaeh Bimber had a kill and four blocks while Addy McDonald and Vivian Palmieri combined for an additional 10 digs and 21 serve receptions. Kayden Moore and Gabby Hodak combined for an additional 10 digs.