American’s serve and defense carry sweep of Bucknell

American gave Bucknell little room to build sustained pressure Saturday, pairing nine service aces with a defense that kept the hosts’ hitting percentage at .121 in a three-set volleyball win at Davis Gymnasium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

The Eagles won 25–14, 25–23, 25–18 to improve to 13–4 overall and 8–0 in Patriot League play. Their most demanding set was the second, but American finished it with a two-point advantage before widening the margin again in the third.

Elise Sterling and Salme Hollas each supplied nine kills, giving setter Deniz Dakak two productive finishing options. Dakak recorded 29 assists, while Bella Marrero’s 19 digs helped American turn opposing attacks into additional possessions. The Eagles hit .240 for the match, nearly twice Bucknell’s .121.

American’s nine aces came against none for Bucknell.