Playoff Run Ends as Volleyball Loses to No. 25 Haverford 3-1 in the Conference Semifinals
HAVERFORD, Pa. - Looking to make its first Centennial Conference final in program history, the Swarthmore volleyball team (19-10, 6-4) won the third set and was competitive for the entire match, but it wasn't enough as No. 25 Haverford (28-3, 10-0) defeated the Garnet 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Pezzola powered the Garnet offense with 16 kills.
The semifinal match-up showcased two explosive offensive teams in Haverford and Swarthmore and you could feel the intensity in the air as both school's fans bantered back and forth during the bitter rivalry. The Fords struck first and went up two sets to none quickly, looking unstoppable winning set two 25-7 and knocking the wind out of the fans.
The Garnet players on the other hand weren't as fazed by the deficit. Swarthmore rallied behind sophomore outside hitter Genny Pezzola in set three to put up 16 kills. Its magnificent offensive and defensive play in set three was enough to win the set 25-22 and quiet the Haverford bleachers.
In set four, the cheers from both ends were almost deafening as both sides knew the importance of the set. Swarthmore kept some of its momentum going, landing the first three points of the set to take an early lead but thhe Fords quickly rallied back and to take control of the match. The intensity of set four continued with four lead changes and a late run by the Garnet to come within two points of the Fords that was only dashed by two back to back points by the Fords to end the set and the match 25-21.
Pezzola played amazing with 16 kills and 19 digs and senior Kearney Bangs ended her Centennial Conference career with a team leading 26 assists. Senior Johanna Bond and freshman Kat Montemurro made a large contribution to the Garnet offensive play with a combined 23 kills in the match.
Haverford now advances to Sunday's championship against either Gettysburg or Franklin & Marshall at 1:00 p.m. The Garnet will now await to hear about its next game in either the ECAC or NCAA tournament that will take place next week.