Box Score

DALLAS, Pa. - Sophomore Stephanie Margolies (Westfield, N.J./Westfield) posted a double-double with game-highs in both kills (12) and digs (11) to lead the way, as The University of Scranton volleyball team coasted to a three-set victory at Misericordia on Wednesday evening (25-19, 25-14, 25-21).

Right from the start of the evening, Scranton (1-0) was the aggressor against the host Cougars (0-1).

In the opening frame, the Royals opened up a 19-13 lead to roll to an eventual six-point first set victory, while in the second set, a 16-9 edge in the middle of action was too much for Misericordia to come back from as Scranton grabbed a 2-0 lead in the match with an 11-point win.

The third set, however, saw Misericordia take the edge early, as the Cougars opened a 14-10 lead on Scranton halfway through the set. That four-point lead held for Misericordia until it was 18-14 when a quick 4-0 run by Scranton tied the set up at 18, apiece.

In the final moments of the third set, the lead swung back and forth until Scranton took control late to finish off the sweep. With Misericordia leading, 21-20, the Royals scored the final five points of regulation, as a block-assist at the net by freshman Erin Keaveney (Collegeville, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) and senior Trinity Manning (Point Lookout, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) clinched the win for Scranton.

Overall in the victory for the Royals, Margolis was impressive in her first (official) collegiate game, ending the night as the only player in either lineup to hit double-figures in kills and digs, while finishing with three service aces. Keaveney, meanwhile, was equally impressive in her collegiate debut, finishing with nine kills (on 19 attempts to hit .316) and four block-assists.

Setting up the attack all evening was junior Caileigh Cox (Randolph, N.J./Randolph), who had 26 assists. She also finished with six digs and four kills on the evening, as well.

Misericordia was led in the defeat by Faith Merritt, who had six kills.

The University of Scranton volleyball team returns to action Friday, as the open play in the 2021 Scranton Invitational in the John Long Center vs. Vassar. First serve is set for 5 p.m.

--ROYALS--