DALLAS, Pa.— Struggling to find offensive rhythm, Eastern University Women's Volleyball dropped a four-set decision at Misericordia University. The Eagles (11-9) ground out a 25-21 win the third set, but the host Cougars won the final four points of the match to win the fourth set, 25-20.
Alexis Standford recorded a match-best 17 kills in the loss.
The opening set saw both teams leading. The Cougars held a 21-18 lead before
Olivia McGowan served three straight points for a 22-21 edge. Standford had all three kills in that burst. The Cougars then scored three of the final four points of the set to win, 25-23. Standford had seven of Eastern's 11 kills in the first set.
After a disastrous start to the second set, the Eagles closed the gap late, but the Cougars rode their 9-to-0 run to a 25-14 win. Two days after playing a conference match with only one receiving error, the Eagles struggled to pass with consistency. Misericordia had four aces in the second set and the Eagles had just a single kill on first-ball attack in the set.
The Eagles got a boost from the service line in the third. After
Grace Cooper put the Eagles up with an ace at 8-7,
Josie Arezina served four aces in a five-point run. The Eagles had seven aces in winning the third set 25-21.
Sarah Furey had nine assists in the set and the Eagles had their most balanced attack with all five hitters picking up kills.
The Eagles led 18-17 in the fourth set, but a three-point Misericordia run put the hosts in control. Standford stopped the run with a kill, and
Emma Ciesielka served for a single point to close the gap to a single point. The Cougars earned a sideout and three points on serve to close the match.
McGowan finished with 13 digs, Furey had 29 assists, and
Veronica Faber finished with six kills. The Cougars (15-6) won the blocking battle 13-5.
The Eagles have a pair of MAC Commonwealth games next week before hosting a tri-match on Saturday.
