CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights got off to a fast start and never looked back, defeating Lackawanna Trail, 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-22) in a Lackawanna League girls volleyball match Sept. 8.

The Lady Comets registered the first 11 points of the match and Emma Baker closed out the first set win with a block. April Sokalsky had two kills and Ashley DeRiso had four of her five aces in the set for Abington Heights (2-1). Monica Stuenzi had two kills in the set for Lackawanna Trail.

Abington Heights head coach Kendra Hooper praised the aggressiveness and accuracy of DeRiso’s serves.

“In our last three games, she’s had the most aces and scored the most points off serves,” Hooper said.

Paris Koehler had six of her seven kills in the second set to help Abington Heights take a commanding lead in the match. Jasmine McDuffie, who finished with 19 assists, had seven in the set. Laurelann Penn had two of her team-high four kills in the set for Lackawanna Trail (0-3).

According to Hooper, McDuffie’s athleticism and knowledge of the game are big assets to the team.

“Her speed and ability to get to the ball and set up the right hitters is impeccable,” Hooper said.

Abington Heights’ Cassie Ksiazek had three kills and Baker had two blocks, including the match clincher, in the third set. Penn had three aces and Ami Sohns had two kills for the Lady Lions during the set.

Lackawanna Trail head coach Ryan Laubach was pleased with the way the team responded to an early deficit, but feels they need to be more prepared to play from the opening serve.

“We’re a very young team and we start a little slow, so were trying to fight through it and figure out how to start faster,” he said. “Our serving stepped up and we started playing a little better on defense (in the last two sets).”

Laubach was also impressed by the team’s effort throughout the match.

“We always tell them that they need to play to the whistle and I was very proud of how they did that tonight,” he said.

DeRiso led Abington Heights with 15 service points and also contributed seven digs. Koehler added seven service points and three digs for the Lady Comets.

Lydia Dunckle finished with seven digs for Lackawanna Trail.

Abington Heights will travel to play Western Wayne at 4 p.m. Sept. 15.

Lackawanna Trail will travel to play Montrose at 6 p.m. Sept. 14.

Abington Heights’ Cassie Ksiazek had four kills during the Lady Comets’ 3-0 win over Lackawanna Trail in a Lackawanna League girls volleyball match Sept. 8.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-AH-VB-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Cassie Ksiazek had four kills during the Lady Comets’ 3-0 win over Lackawanna Trail in a Lackawanna League girls volleyball match Sept. 8. Stephanie Walkowski photos | For Abington Journal

Abington Heights’ Kaelee Whipple plays the ball during the Lady Comets’ 3-0 win over Lackawanna Trail in a Lackawanna League girls volleyball match Sept. 8.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-AH-VB-2.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Kaelee Whipple plays the ball during the Lady Comets’ 3-0 win over Lackawanna Trail in a Lackawanna League girls volleyball match Sept. 8. Stephanie Walkowski photos | For Abington Journal

Lackawanna Trail’s Lydia Dunckle prepares to set the ball during a girls volleyball match against Abington Heights Sept. 8.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-LT-VB-1.jpg.optimal.jpgLackawanna Trail’s Lydia Dunckle prepares to set the ball during a girls volleyball match against Abington Heights Sept. 8. Stephanie Walkowski photos | For Abington Journal

Lackawanna Trail’s Laurelann Penn sets up for a block during a girls volleyball match against Abington Heights Sept. 8.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-LT-VBall-2.jpg.optimal.jpgLackawanna Trail’s Laurelann Penn sets up for a block during a girls volleyball match against Abington Heights Sept. 8. Stephanie Walkowski photos | For Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.