Box Score CLARKS SUMMIT, PA – The University of Valley Forge Women's Volleyball had a big test on the road Thursday night, traveling to long-time rival Summit University (formerly Baptist Bible College).  The Patriots passed this test with flying colors, grabbing the win in straight sets (25-23, 25-23, 25-21).  The win marks the first time this millennium they have defeated the Defenders!

Resiliency – that's what this team showed tonight!  Going up against the Defenders in their home opener, the Patriots had an answer for everything that was thrown at them.  After losing a sizeable lead in the first set (12-7), the Patriots held on for a two-point victory. 
The last two sets saw the Defenders jump out to some big early leads.  In the second set they led 15-11, but the Patriots answered with seven straight points to seize control.  In the third set, the Defenders built a 10-5 advantage, but again the Patriots battled back and held off a late rally from Summit to close out the match in straight sets.

Patriots Head Coach Courtney Balban said after the game, "I feel as though the team is realizing what they are capable of.  They have proved that although we have a small team in numbers, they are not small heart!.  This was a great win." Balban then commented on some of the young talent making the most of their opportunity, "Megan Freed and Lindsay LeSueur dominated in the front row tonight.  They are setting a new standard for Patriots Volleyball.  As freshmen, what they are doing is remarkable."

LeSuer finished with 4 kills and 2 aces.  Freed had 3 kills and led the team in digs with 11.  Senior Shelby Shepherd finished with a team-high 2 blocks.

The Patriots will now get ready for a Saturday home match-up against Christendom College at 11AM in the Pit.

Go Patriots!