HUNTINGDON, Pa.– Eastern University Women's Volleyball saw its seven-match winning streak snapped with a pair of losses to high-powered teams at Juniata College.

Eastern dropped the opening match of the day to the No. 4 ranked hosts. Juniata (9-1) came into the match after picking up their first loss of the season last weekend. The Eastern Eagles spent much of their match on the defensive, Grace Casagrande had 21 digs, but the Eastern offense was unable to sustain an attack against the aggressive Juniata offensive and imposing block.

Eastern built a 17-14 lead in the opening set, but the host Eagles reeled off five-straight points to grab control of the match. Eastern was finally able to earn a sideout on a Logan Martin kill, but it was only a momentary stay. Juniata scored the next six points to claim the first set. The hosts put together a pair of big runs to run to a 25-14 win in the second set.

Eastern led 15-10 in the third, but again, a big run swung the match back to the hosts. Even so, Eastern was within a point at 21-20 on a Bridgette Kelly service ace before the hosts used a pair big blocks to carve out a three-point run. Eastern earned a sideout on a Hannah Pringle kill, but the Juniata Eagles sealed the match with a sideout of their own.

Kelly had nine kills and hit .368, but no other Eastern player was able to get more than five kills. Juniata finished the match with a 9-to-1 edge in blocks.

Eastern had to bounce back in minutes to take on a Muskingum University Muskie team that was receiving votes in the most recent poll. Pringle had nine kills, but no other Eastern player had more than five. The Eagles hit just .009 in falling in three sets.

"Casa was really strong on defense," Head Coach Mark Birtwistle said after the Juniata match. "She really kept us in the match and gave us a fighting chance.
Elle continues to do a great job leading our offense getting multiple hitters involved, but we just didn't have enough offense today. We'll use today as an opportunity to learn how to prepare ourselves for more quality opponents."

The Eagles have a quick turnaround, but they will return to familiar surroundings on Tuesday for a 7:00 PM MAC Commonwealth test against Messiah University at The Nest. The Falcons handed the Eagles their only MAC Commonwealth loss last fall.