WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Six Red Flash hit double digit numbers on either kills or digs to aid in the win.
>> Alexandra Sappia recorded 44 assists on the afternoon.
>> The Red Flash claim victory in 3-2 win over the Skyhawks (25-23, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, 15-10).
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
During the third set, Saint Francis went on two 6-3 runs that aided in the Red Flash taking the set. Korrin Burns started off the set with a heated kill dished out by Alexandra Sappia then Kori McClure laid two kills down to keep the lead. Stonehill could not convert offensively as the Skyhawks completed several attacking errors, which Saint Francis capitalized on towards the end of the set. A huge duo block from Burns and McClure gave fire to Burns to collect a kill. Sappia set up two more kills for McClure and Gwen Atkins to throw down to take the second straight set. The Red Flash never gave Stonehill a chance to catch up, winning the next two sets to claim the 3-2 victory.
FLASH MOMENTS
Saint Francis once again started the first set off hot with a 5-2 run. Burns set the tone with three straight kills assisted by Sappia, Gwen Atkins, and McClure. Gwen Atkins collected a kill for herself and then turned around and aided in a block with McClure.
The Red Flash were down 10-6 and found fire to cut the deficit and take the lead. After a much-needed timeout, Hailey Atkins set up a dime for Aaliyah Toppin to lay down. This sparked Burns to claim back-to-back kills from Sappia. Chandler Alter tossed in a service ace to keep the run alive forcing two attack errors on Stonehill. Burns registered two more kills, followed by another Alter ace, and an ace by Alexa Chapla to extend the lead to 15-11.
With the fourth set tied 18 all, Nevaeh Ingram flared a spark for Saint Francis to pull ahead with a service ace. Burns threw down a powerful kill that led to a Sappia spin off ace. Burns once again laid down a kill along the line, this time the assist was from Alter. Chapla set up a perfect pass to Gwen Atkins on the right side to lead the Red Flash to game point. McClure slammed down a pass from Sappia to send a message for set five.
After two straight set wins by Saint Francis, the Red Flash did not look back, going on a 9-3 run. McClure picked up right where she left off playing a role in four of the next five points straight. She collected a kill and then back-to-back-to-back blocks with help from Burns and Gwen Atkins. Gwen Atkins also registered two kills during the run. To cap off the afternoon McClure and Gwen Atkins once again defended at the net, claiming another block to their names.
FLASH NUGGETS
Burns, the current NEC Player of the Week and NEC Prime Performer, finished the afternoon with 20 kills and nine digs. With these kills, Burns is now at 16 total 20+ kill games in her career.
McClure registered 15 kills and eight blocks, a new career record, to aid her team in the win. She led Saint Francis with a .650 hitting percentage.
Gwen Atkins, the three-time NEC Rookie of the Week, added 14 kills, seven digs, and five assisted blocks. Atkins collected a new career record of kills during this matchup.
Alter had 12 digs and a career record of two aces for Saint Francis.
Sappia finished the match with 44 assists, 12 digs, three aces, and two assisted blocks. Sappia has earned NEC Prime Performer distinction in the first five weeks of the season.
Chapla tied her career record of 11 digs and threw in three service aces.
NEXT ON TAP
The Red Flash are keeping home court advantage as Saint Francis hosts Mercyhurst Tuesday at 6 pm.
