Box Score Clarion, Pa. – Wheeling Jesuit Volleyball, ranked #5 in the nation, traveled to Clarion University (16-1 overall, 8-1 PSAC West) to play a pivotal regional matchup on Tuesday night.
 
Despite losing the first set, the Cardinals beat Clarion University in four sets 21-25, 25-16, 25-12, 25-16.
 
Clarion came out in the first set and capitalized on nine WJU hitting errors.  Wheeling Jesuit chipped away, but Clarion's lead was ultimately too much to overcome in the first frame.
 
WJU's speed, ability to pass, and skill at blocking at the net surfaced in the second set and carried Wheeling Jesuit through the rest of the game.   Wheeling Jesuit finished with a 12 to 5 advantage in blocks.
 
The Cardinals were led by sophomore middle Emma Schleucher.  Schleucher hit an unbelievable .667 in the win with 15 kills, two service aces, three digs, and six total blocks. 
 
Sophomore middle Haley Kindall provided some fireworks of her own, leading all competitors on the court with 17 kills in the match.  She added two digs and three blocks on her way to hitting .350 inside and posting 18.5 points.
 
Sophomore outside Kayce Krucki hurt Clarion both offensively and defensively, quietly showing her resolve as a dual-threat on the court.  Krucki had 10 kills offensively and 28 digs and two blocks defensively.
 
The Cardinals needed senior middle Rachel Caja to step up and play big against a big Clarion front court.  Caja did just that.  She finished with four kills, two digs, and six blocks.
 
Once again, sophomore setter Andrea Thobe and senior libero Makenzie Ripley showed why they are considered specialists on the court.  Thobe had 51 assists, two kills, seven digs, and two blocks.  Ripley had 21 digs as a defensive specialist in the back court.
 
The win moves Jesuit's record to 19-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in the Mountain East Conference.  The loss is Clarion's second in the region, dropping their record to 16-2 overall and 8-1 in PSAC West play.
 
Wheeling Jesuit returns to action when it travels to West Palm Beach, Florida to play in the Pepsi Bash at the Beach hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University.  Wheeling Jesuit plays Cedarville University on Friday, October 10^th at 7pm.  The next day, WJU faces off against Saint Leo University at 12 noon and then squares off in a top 25 matchup with Palm Beach Atlantic University, ranked 22^nd in the nation, at 6pm.