BRADFORD, Pa. – The Pitt-Bradford volleyball team used early momentum offensively to defeat the Franciscan Barons, 3-1, in an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference showdown on Saturday at the KOA Arena. With the win, the Lady Panthers clinched a spot in the AMCC Tournament.

Pitt-Bradford (11-19, 5-2) defeated the Barons 25-16, 19-25, 25-18 and 25-21. Franciscan (9-16, 5-2) put forth a strong effort, but it was the Panthers finding a way to win it in the end.

Offensively, seniors Brittni Cumberland and Taylor McMillen stole the show. Cumberland finished with seven kills, 18 assists and 12 digs. McMillen tallied 13 kills, two assists and four digs. Fellow senior Peyton Kauffman was close behind with 15 assists and nine digs.

Defensively, several Panthers put together strong performances. Sophomore Kelsey Repke finished with 19 digs and one assist, while freshman Haley Vinelli grabbed seven kills, one assist and 15 digs. Junior Jenessa Ceprish notched 14 digs to go with one kill and two assists.

In the first game, Pitt-Bradford moved ahead early and was able to sustain the lead late. The Panthers managed to take advantage of the Barons' mistakes throughout the set and eventually earn the victory. This was due in part to sophomore Brittany Watts' big block followed by a kill to seal the Panthers' win.

Later in the fourth set, Watts tallied four kills, while McMillen, Vinelli and freshman Erin Fagan had three each to close out the match and finish a solid victory for the Lady Panthers.

"I was really pleased with our effort for the most part today," said head coach Tina Phillips. "This win was important because it secured us a playoff spot and a chance to keep our season going."

Pitt-Bradford now looks to conference-foe Medaille as it continues to race toward the AMCC Tournament. The Panthers and Mavericks square off in Buffalo, N.Y., on Wednesday, Oct. 29,