BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College women's volleyball celebrated its three seniors prior to its final home match of the 2016 season Wednesday evening but the Greyhounds ended up falling to Marywood University, 3-0, in non-conference action in Johnston Hall.
The first set was back-and-forth early with the game tied at 9-9 before the Pacers pulled ahead 16-11. Moravian, now 13-12 on the year, bounced back and pulled within a point, 21-20, with freshman setter Victoria Kauffman before Marywood won the set 25-22.
The Blue and Grey jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second set before the Pacers moved in front, 5-3. Freshman defensive specialist Alexis Szaro served the Greyhounds back to an 8-6 lead. The set would be tied 12 times with Moravian's early three-point advantage as the largest in the set. Marywood eventually pulled out a 29-27 win to take a 2-0 lead overall.
The third set was another close affair with the Hounds holding an 11-7 lead near the midway point. The Pacers tied the set at 11-11 and eventually pulled ahead 15-13. The Greyhounds continued to fight and pulled to a 23-23 tie before Marywood scored the final two points.
Junior outside hitter Mary Zacher led Moravian with 13 kills, 11 digs and two blocks while senior middle blocker Taylor Kornmann and sophomore middle blocker Erin Tiger each had 10 kills. Kornmann added four digs while Tiger contributed four blocks.
Freshman outside hitter Brooke Kusmider had five kills and six digs while senior right side hitter Courtney Kruscavage had two kills and a service aces. Senior right side hitter Jaclyn Smith added four blocks in her final home match while Kauffman had 36 assists, 12 digs and a pair of kills. Junior libero Jean Markovic posted a team high 15 digs while Szaro added 12 digs and a pair of service aces. Sophomore defensive specialist Bridgette Devlin had three digs for Moravian.
"We'll miss our three seniors that finished their home careers tonight," commented Head Coach Shelley Bauder. "TK will be remembered for her Phi Slamma Jamma shots and her floor writing before games. Courtney will be remembered for being beast mode in the weight room and for her rocket serve. Jackie will be remembered for her relentless energy and positivity along with the biggest Hound heart ever."
Moravian is scheduled to return to action on Friday, October 21 in the first day of the Wilkes University Colonel Clash as the Hounds take on the City College of New York at 6:00 p.m. and host Wilkes at 8:00 p.m.
