ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's volleyball team defeated Wilkes University in straight sets 3-0 on Thursday evening. Set scores were 25-15, 25-10 and 25-12.
 
Ariana Pena led the Knights with 11 kills and a .474 hitting percentage. Regan Hickey tallied 10 kills and a .421 hitting percentage. Dani Smith handed out 22 assists and Catie Esslinger dished out 11. Smith also notched six service aces and Bre Hickey added four.
 
The Knights started strong, scoring the first five points of the match, including three service aces by Smith. Leading 19-15, Neumann scored six straight points, including four kills, for a 25-15 first set win.
 
In set two, Neumann took an early 9-2 advantage. Leading 11-7, the Knights scored 14 of the next 17 points for the 25-10 second set win. Maria Brown strung together seven of those points at the service line, including two service aces.
 
The Knights kept their foot on the pedal and went up 8-1 to start the third set. This time the Colonels pulled within two, 11-9. However, with a 13-11 lead, serves by Smith put Neumann on an 8-0 run and a 21-11 score. A kill by Lauren Garvey sealed the 3-0 match win with a 25-12 set three victory.
 
Neumann (7-10) will head to Montclair State on Saturday for a tri-match with St. Joseph's – LI. Action gets underway at 1:00 PM.