BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Moravian College women's volleyball team dropped its season opener today in a closely fought, non-conference match with DeSales University, 25-27,25-21, 25-22, Tuesday night in Johnston Hall.
In the first set, the Hounds kept it close right until the end. After falling to an early deficit, the Greyhounds led by sophomore libero Jean Markovic, found their way back into the first set and tied it up at 16-16. At the end of the game, the Hounds were able to keep it close with a combination of points coming from freshman middle blocker Erin Tiger, sophomore outside hitter Mary Zacher and senior setter Megan Szkolnicki, which gave Moravian a 25-24 lead before the Hounds fell 25-27. Head Coach Shelley Bauder commented after the match "I was happy with the way that we fought back in the first set and stayed in it right until the very end, and even had the opportunity to steal that set."
During the second set the team was able to keep it much closer, tying the game up five times and holding the lead for 21 straight points. Zacher was able contribute a couple of points early to help the Hounds carry this lead. However the effort wasn't enough, and they dropped the set 25-21 on a late rally by DeSales. The Greyhounds worked hard in the third set to establish and early lead and carry that advantage, however; DeSales fought back right at the end of the match and was able to capture the third set and take the match as well.
"I was very happy with the way the freshman played in the game, and slid into some positions that they weren't used to playing" said Bauder. "We have a few things that we need to work and improve upon before this weekend, but overall I was pleased with the way we played and kept ourselves in every set."
Zacher ended the match with eight kills, two service aces and three kills. Also contributing for the Greyhounds was junior middle blocker Taylor Kornmann, who added seven kills, seven digs and a service ace. Szkolnicki finished with eight kills, 14 assists, and ten digs for the team while Markovic had a team-high 13 digs.
Moravian will return to action Friday afternoon vs Marywood University at 4:00 p.m. and Dickinson College at 8:00 p.m. during the opening round of the Greyhound Premiere Invitational.
