The Laf

Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Athletic Communications The Volleyball team began the Lafayettte College tournament with tough 3-1 loss to St. Peter's on Friday, but rebounded with two straight victories over Delaware State and Fairleigh Dickinson

When the Lafayette volleyball team dropped their opening match to St. Peter's by a score of 3-1 on Friday, they knew they had to run the table on Saturday to consider their performance in the Lafayette College Invitational a success. With dominating victories over Delaware State (3-1) and Farleigh Dickinson (3-0), the Leopards had reason to celebrate.

Lafayette struggled in their first match, dropping their opening set by a score of 25-19. Although the team responded by winning the second set 25-21, St. Peter's reestablished the lead in the third set with a 25-22 victory. St. Peter's closed out the match, winning the fourth set 25-19.

Outside hitter Cara Mulholland '10 and middle Alana Taylor '12 led the Leopards with 12 kills apiece, while St. Peter's Kim Mendoza had 15. Setter Ashton Rossi '10 added an impressive 35 assists in the loss.

While St. Peter's went on to lose both of their remaining matches, the Leopards came out hungry on Saturday, starting with a victory over Delaware State. The girls came out firing, winning the first two sets 25-19 and 25-15. Despite losing a close battle in the third set, the team kept its focus and played some of their finest volleyball of the season to close out the match in the fourth set (25-16). Taylor, Mulholland and Kayly Elmer '11 all reached double digits in kills, with 16, 11 and 15 respectively.

The Leopards capped off the tournament with their best performance against Farleigh Dickinson. The squad took the first set 25-18, and did not look back. After taking the second set 25-13, the Leopards finished off the tournament with a nailbiting third set victory (25-23). Elmer led the Leopards with 9 kills, and Taylor added 7.

Elmer said she was pleased with the way her team performed throughout the weekend. "We really came together as a team and we improved each game," she said.

Up next for the Leopards is the Crosstown Tournament, where they will play matches against Niagara, Providence and Rider at home starting tonight. Elmer said the team knows its in for a tough tournament. "We except this weekend to be challenging but are very confident in our play and know we will win," she said.

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