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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Down 16-22 in the first, and 15-20 in the second, the Kutztown University women's volleyball team executed late scoring runs in the opening two sets to help push the Golden Bears to a 3-0 sweep over Philadelphia University in a non conference match Friday evening at the Gallagher Center.
 
Kutztown (5-1) took down the Rams (2-2) by scores of 27-25, 25-21, and 25-22.
 
The Maroon and Gold found themselves in trouble in the opening set, but rallied behind the attacking efficiency of senior Danielle Van Buren (Bethlehem, Pa./Saucon Valley) to pull out the comeback. Down 16-22 late in the set, KU brought the score back within one, before outlasting the Rams and taking the set 27-25. Van Buren recorded a .625 hitting percentage to begin the match, leading the way with five kills.
 
Kutztown was down late yet again in the second set. After trailing 16-20, junior Audrey Stringer (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) turned on the jets, putting down four kills in an 8-0 run that put KU within one of set point.  Stringer put the finishing touches on the second set, knocking down the 25th point off a set from Anna Conti (Grove City, Ohio/Grove City).
 
The Golden Bears received a taste of their own medicine in the third set. Holding an 18-11 lead, the home team rallied this time to tie the score at 19 a piece. The two squads traded points until KU pulled away and secured the sweep with a 25-22 victory in the third.
 
Van Buren led all players on the floor with 11 kills, tying her season high. Her .425 attacking percentage was also the best in the match and she added two assisted blocks.
 
Conti did her usual damage setting up her Golden Bear teammates (29 assists), but the setter was also active in the attack, recording a career-high four kills.
 
Zandria Zielinski (York, Pa./York Catholic) was a game-changer on the defensive front, leading the team with five total blocks, including the only solo block for the squad. The sophomore added two kills and two assists.
 
Aly York (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone) finished second on KU with eight kills, while Stringer and Chelsea Braga (Long Beach, N.Y./Long Beach (Fairleigh Dickinson)) each added seven kills. The trio combined to account for five block assists.
 
Kim Groff (Audubon, Pa./Methacton (Moravian)) led the squad with 23 digs, while Braga recorded 18 and Conti tallied 16.
 
The Golden Bears will have the week off until heading to Cheyney next weekend to kick off conference action. During the PSAC crossover, KU will square off against Mercyhurst and Gannon on Friday, Sept. 19 and wrap up the weekend with Slippery Rock and Edinboro on Saturday.