Wilkes beats Misericordia in league volleyball opener

DALLAS — After a back-and-forth match, the Wilkes women's volleyball team finally took control in the fifth and final game, defeating area rival Misericordia 3-2 on Wednesday in the Freedom Conference opener for both schools.

The Lady Colonels won on the road by scores of 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 16-25, 15-6.

Casey Bohan led Wilkes with 26 kills, six blocks and two aces while Megan Powers had 36 assists and Erin Nothstein had five aces and 16 digs.

Cailin McCullion topped the Cougars with 16 kills.

King's opened its conference schedule with a 25-12, 25-16, 25-9 loss.

The Lady Monarchs were led by Mary Loughran, who posted 13 assists and six digs. Jillian Foster chipped in with 16 digs.

The No. 21 Cougars shook off a first-half goal by visiting Stockton as Sam Helmstetter scored in the 70th minute to keep Misericordia unbeaten in the early season.

Keeper Maureen Ciccosanti made six saves.

King's came up short in a comeback bid, falling to Alvernia at home.

Shania Dougherty and Lindsey Humanik both scored for King's. Ivy Nulton assisted on both goals.

Misericordia hung with No. 25 Susquehanna throughout the game until Andrew Hayes scored his second goal with under nine minutes left to sink the host Cougars.

Andy Bush scored for Misericordia.

Sophomore Mark Bugelholl scored the lone goal for the Mountain Lions, who travel to PSU Brandywine for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday.