Lenz

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — West Chester University doesn’t lose often in volleyball at home on its Kane Delaney court. Shepherd University doesn’t lose often anywhere.

Last Saturday in a fast-paced and highly competitive PSAC match between those teams, it was Shepherd that found just enough fiery determination and individual athleticism to outlast the charging-from-behind effort of the home team.

Giving Coach Alex Hoekstra his 201st win at Shepherd, the Rams lifted themselves in the latter stages of the fourth game to what was an improbable win that finally closed out what was a grinding comeback by West Chester.

Shepherd prevailed in the first game, 25-21, with key kills by Emily Ryder, Rylee Lenz, Sophia Ryan, Amya Davis and Ada McCoy sprinkled in often enough to get an all-important start to the match. When West Chester moved strongest toward the slimmest of Shepherd leads, it was Davis with her effective serving that kept any further Golden Ram threats from ever getting even or taking a lead.

Actually, the longest lead Shepherd ever had was by three points.

McCoy

The Rams fell back 4-0, as the second game got underway. But Madigan Faircloth served them right back into contention. Trailing 11-8, Shepherd reeled off seven straight points behind the strong serves of Ryan. Still, West Chester actually led 20-19 at one point before Paige Hansen served Shepherd back ahead as Ryder and her left-handed kills eventually prevailed, 25-22.

West Cheser broke to a quick 5-1 lead in the third game. That advantage zoomed to 11-4 and then 14-5 as Shepherd faltered for the only time during the spirited afternoon.

Shepherd’s better play only made the score a little closer because the home side went on to post a 25-17 win to force a fourth game.

Shepherd’s early 2-0 lead was swallowed by points gotten by an effective run of serves that brought West Chester a 9-5 lead.

The game was tied at 11-11 before the home side charged out to a 22-15 lead that could have put Shepherd against the ropes.

Ryan

West Chester sensed another game victory when it held a 23-19 lead.

The visiting Rams brought the deficit back to 23-21 before gaining a 24-24 tie.

The game’s final two points were gained by fast hands and fast reflexes around the net by Shepherd . . . and suddenly the match was theirs with a 26-24 win the telling game four.

Shepherd improved its overall record to 15-5 overall and its PSAC record to 5-3. West Chester was 14-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

The Rams had been successful with their feisty team play and ability to reverse a short downward spiral that was blotted out on a court where the visiting teams don’t find much success.

Davis