CHESTER, Pa. - The Pride battled through a back-and-forth matchup to defeat Arcadia, 3–2, extending their win streak and setting the tone for Homecoming Weekend.
Widener improves to 11–9 on the year and stays unbeaten in conference at 4–0.
BY THE NUMBERS
HOW IT HAPPENED
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The Pride opened the match trading early points before narrowly pulling ahead behind steady kills from Benjamin, Mira Canali, and Gabriella Bottino. Julia Schwab and Airyn Zimmerman added key offensive touches, while Meghan Prior provided energy with assists and an ace to keep the Pride on top. Despite a late push from the Knights, Widener held firm to close out the set, 25–23.
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Despite a strong start from the Pride, Widener fell short in the second set as Arcadia rallied to even the match. The Pride came out swinging early, with kills from Schwab, Benjamin, and Canali helping them jump ahead 6–2. However, the Knight's offense found its rhythm midway through the set, capitalizing on a long scoring run that put the Knights ahead for good. Bottino, Benjamin, and Schwab each tallied late kills to spark a brief comeback push, but Arcadia closed it out 25–17 to tie the match at one set apiece.
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The Pride bounced back with poise in the third set. After falling behind early, the Pride found their rhythm behind steady setting from Chronister and clutch kills from Benjamin, Schwab, and Bottino. Zimmerman fueled the momentum with a service ace, and Prior's late-set kill sealed the win in extra points. The Pride pulled ahead 2–1 in the match heading into the fourth set.
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The Knights evened the match at two sets apiece after taking the fourth 25–22, despite a late surge from Widener. The Pride struggled to find their rhythm early, falling behind before rallying behind strong play from Benjamin, Bottino, Canali, who combined for several key kills to cut the deficit. Zimmerman and Chronister added service aces as Widener fought back within striking distance, but the Knights held on to force a decisive fifth set.
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The Pride sealed the match in thrilling fashion, taking the decisive fifth set 15–10 to cap off an electric homecoming opener. The Pride came out strong with Zimmerman leading the charge early, delivering key kills and an ace to set the tone. Benjamin and Bottino continued to dominate at the net, combining for multiple kills that kept Widener in control. With steady setting from Chronister and clutch plays from Canali and Kaitlyn Guessford down the stretch, the Pride pulled away to secure the victory and the 3–2 match win over Arcadia.
UP NEXT
The Pride take on Stevenson on Tuesday, October 14, in Chester, Pa. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
