Lycoming Advances to Conference Finals                    Three All-Conference Players Lead the Way

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.—Lycoming looked dominant on Wednesday night as they swept FDU-Florham in the Freedom Conference Semi-Final at Lamade Gymnasium. The win propels the Lady Warriors into the Conference Final, where they will face the University of Scranton on Saturday.

After falling behind 6-0 in the opening game, Lycoming went on a 17-3 run, establishing a strong attack. Freshman Hannah Stump showed why she was named first team All-Conference in her rookie year. Stump leveled five thunderous kills and two service aces as the Lady Warriors squelched FDU’s momentum and won game one 30-20.

Not to be outdone, senior Lindsey Artz, another first team All-Conference selection, had four kills, three digs and a block in game two. Her powerful right arm helped the Lady Warriors go up 7-0 to start the set. FDU-Florham rallied and pulled as close as 23-21, but Stump, Artz and second-team All-Conference selection Cassie Kapson proved too much for the Lady Devils. Lycoming took the second frame 30-24.

By match point, the Lady Warriors were rolling. Senior Kapson was on her way to nine kills and three aces on the night, while sophomore Heather Frantz projected to nine kills and nine digs. Lycoming cruised to a 30-19 win in game three to advance to the finals.

“Our seniors stepped up and put this match away,” Head Coach Tim McMahon observed, “But I think the key was the way our setter gelled with everybody tonight.”

Indeed, freshman Abby Myers compiled 35 assists on the night and kept FDU on its toes by spreading the ball among Lycoming’s many strong arms.

“I’m glad we worked it out as a team,” remarked Stump, who finished the night with ten kills and four aces, “We really played well together.”

Lycoming now travels to Scranton’s home turf for a rematch against a team that swept the Lady Warriors in the regular season. Scranton barely escaped fourth seed King’s in their semi-final contest. But it’s official, one seed Scranton will host two seed Lycoming on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. for the Freedom Conference Championship and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.