ST. DAVIDS, Pa.--Eastern Volleyball's frontline showed its formidability at the net Wednesday night, blocking 11 FDU-Florham attacks en route to a 25-14, 25-14, 25-15 win.

The Eagles, last year's Freedom Conference champions, improved to 16-1 with the conference win. The Devils, last year's runners-up, dropped to 16-4.

Eastern freshman Katrina Pisch recorded a team-high seven block assists. Coach Mark Birtwistle stressed how important the blocking was this match and senior Maria Horning said that the improved blocking stemmed from recent hard work in practice. "We are getting more penetration on the block and we are really focusing on keeping track of their hitters through the point," Horning said. "It's helping a lot."  

Freshman Lauren Sproles slammed 12 kills to lead the Eagles' offensive attack. Maria Horning once again recorded a team-high in assists with 34. Courtney Reinhold led the team with 16 digs. She also added eight kills.

The Devils scored first in each set, but never held a lead beyond a 3-0 lead. That lead came in the second set. At that point, the situation looked good for the Devils.

Then, Eastern's Kearby Benak started serving. Benak, a sophomore, served 13 straight times, building an insurmountable lead. Benak served three aces in the match, including two during that 13-serve span.

The Eagles continue conference play Saturday with home matches against Elizabethtown College and Lebanon Valley College

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