WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Volleyball (0-1) opened the 2026 season in a five-set battle against Wilkes (1-0). The match concluded with Wilkes winning in five sets after a back and forth battle throughout.
Albright jumped on Wilkes in the first set, winning by a scoreline of 25-21. After the first set Wilkes would take the next two. Much like the first set the Lions controlled play and won the fourth set 25-13 to send the game the distance.
The fifth set was a microcosm of the entire match with each side trading points. Albright found themselves up early, but Wilkes was able to protect home court and escape with a win.
Lily Donovan began her collegiate career with 13 digs, 11 kills and three aces. The dig and kill total led the team while both totals tied for a match high.
Following Donovan in kills was
Alexis Akwara who had nine in her Lion debut while
Neve Straff ended with eight. Straff added nine digs and two aces to her overall stat line.
Paige Lipp went for a career high 31 assists setting up her teammates for success all night.
Isabella Garay was strong on the evening, having 10 digs and five assists.
Tonight's match marked the first for the program under newly minted head coach Amanda Ashberry.
Up Next:
Albright will remain on the road heading to Washington College (Md.) on Thursday, September 3. The match is set for 7:00 p.m.
