GLASSBORO, N.J.– Eastern University Volleyball ground out a hard-fought four-set win over the University of Scranton Royals in the opening match of the rowan University Invitational. Sarah Roberts and Caroline Shelby each tallied 12 kills and Michelle Paulsen finished with eight kills and six blocks.

How It Happened:
The Eagles trailed 21-17 in the opening set, but turned the table with eight of the final ten points of the match. Eastern (15-3) scored two points on Shelby's serve and two more on Paulsen's serve. Paulsen had two kills and an ace in the critical run and Ally Spillane and Roberts also delivered kills.

Both teams had their most efficient offensive sets in the second set, but the Royals (12-11) scored six of the final seven points to take the second set, 25-19.

Eastern ran off six of the final seven points to claim the critical third set, Lindsey Heisey served for three points nad Katie Stenby capped the set with an ace for a 25-18 win. Roberts had three kills and and a block in the final five points of the set.

Scranton built a 23-21 lead in the fourth set. The Eagles were successful on three consecutive sideout opportunities and scored a point on serve each time to earn a 27-25 win to close out the match with Roberts delivering a kill to end it. 

Eastern hit only .130 in the contest and had to overcome 17 service errors. Cecilia Bauer had a team-high 21 digs, and Shelby had 13 digs to go with her 12 kills. Morgan Kline had 35 asists.

Coach Birtwistle Says:
"It was a very evenly played throughout. While the statistics don't look like either team did well offensively, both teams dug and blocked well."

"It was one of those matches that we just needed to stay patient and continue to battle till our chances presented themselves. Our middles did a nice job again early and then had to make some adjustments late. Collectively they had 20 kills and nine blocks. Cecilia had another solid performance. Her best play might have been for a huge dig into a transition kill on the last play of the match."

Up Next:
The Eagles are back in Glassboro again tomorrow. They will take on the host Profs at 11 am and then battle Frostburg State at 2 pm. Though the two programs have not met since 2009, Eastern is 3-4 versus Frostburg. The Bobcats beat Rowan in four sets this evening.