BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Moravian College volleyball team dropped its final home match of the 2013 season in straight sets to nationally-ranked Eastern University on Friday night in Johnston Hall.
The Greyhounds (10-21) celebrated Senior Night against a powerful Eagles team, which is ranked No. 18 in Division III. The Eagles won 25-14, 25-13, 25-15 to win their 27th match of the season.
The Moravian seniors, however, enjoyed the final match on their home court by contributing with some solid play. Setter Kelly Brown finished the match with 22 assists, 10 digs and a block. Opposite hitter Katelynn Strohl pitched in with six digs and middle blocker Brittany O'Hara recorded three kills, three blocks and a dig.
"It was very emotional all day," said O'Hara, whose 255 career blocks rank sixth in the Moravian record books. "I was thinking about my career, and looking back at picture of me playing. I've been playing volleyball for 11 years. It's coming to a close and these girls have made it so special. My whole family was here and it was great to play in front of them."
Brown served up her final assist in Johnston Hall to freshman Jaclyn Smith in the third set. Three of her assists on Friday night went to O'Hara, who will cherish fond memories of her favorite setter.
"The best memory I'll have from this court is playing with Kelly Brown," O'Hara said. "She's the best player I've ever played with. She goes above and beyond every single point. Seeing that for four years has been so inspiring. I'm going to miss playing with her the most. She is the definition of volleyball."
Freshman middle hitter Taylor Kornmann also enjoyed a successful connection with Brown this season. On Friday against Eastern, the freshman lefty registered 10 kills on a .391 hitting percentage and turned in three solo blocks at the net.
Sophomore outside hitter Lauren Hostetler chipped in with five kills, while freshman opposite hitter Lauren Piccinich rounded out the Greyhound attack with four kills and zero errors.
Sophomore libero Andrea Giardina came up with seven digs in the contest.
Head coach Shelley Bauder watched her seniors for the last time in Johnston Hall on Friday. Each one of them added their own flavor to the team and left their home court with plenty of memories.
"Kelly may have broken more setting records if she set all four years," Bauder said of Brown, who was a hitter her freshman year. "She's probably the best defensive setter we've ever had and easily in the top four in work ethic. The ball never drops anywhere near Kelly; that's her defensive prowess. The way she can set from anywhere on the court is unorthodox and is going to be missed."
"Brittany has that shining spirit that she'll always be remembered for," Bauder said. "Her love for the game and enthusiasm is unparalleled. She knew how to bring the team together."
"Katelynn had her best year this season," Bauder said. "She really improved her defense and picked up a lot of balls on the right side. She's sometimes the class clown, but that was often appreciated and needed. All three seniors have different personalities, but they all worked well together and played whatever role the team needed. They all leave big legacies behind with lots of fond memories."
The Greyhounds finish the 2013 regular season at a tri-match at Muhlenberg College on Saturday, Nov 2. Moravian takes on Swarthmore College at 2 p.m. before facing the rival Mules at 4 p.m. in a Matte Award match.
Moravian leads Muhlenberg 3-2 on the 2013-14 Matte Award scoreboard.
The Greyhounds have clinched a berth in the Landmark Conference tournament as the No. 5 seed and will travel to No. 4 The University of Scranton on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8 at the highest remaining seed, with the final set for the following day at the same location.
