Dramatic Comeback Win Over Cabrini Gives Swat Second Straight Garnet Classic Title
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Senior captain Sarah Lambert won tournament MVP with 14 aces and 45 assists, as the Swarthmore College volleyball team (8-1) defeated Wesley 3-0 (25-10, 25-6, 25-18) and Cabrini 3-2 (23-25, 15-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-9) to win its second consecutive Garnet Classic on Saturday afternoon from Tarble Pavilion.
The Classic championship marks the first time the host Garnet have won the in consecutive years. The four weekend wins also extends the Garnet's winning streak to five matches, as the squad continues to have the program's best start in 35 years.
Lambert was voted Garnet Classic Tournament MVP.
The Garnet were impressive all weekend, losing only two sets in its four games at the Classic.
Game 1 (Swarthmore 3, Wesley 0)
The Garnet made quick work of the Wolverines (1-7) in the first match of the day, winning in three sets ( 25-10, 25-6, 25-18).
Sophomore Allison Coleman had an outstanding overall performance , finishing the match with 11 assists, six kills and three digs. Sophomore Kat Montemurro finished with five kills, five service aces and a team-high 12 digs. Senior captain Sarah Lambert tallied nine assists and also finished with five service aces, as part of the Garnet's 15 for the game.
Junior Hillary Santana, and freshmen Danielle Sullivan and Maggie Duszyk all finished with six digs.
Game 2 (Swarthmore 3, Cabrini 2)
After falling behind by two sets to Cabrini the Garnet needed a spark; it came in the form of captain Sarah Lambert. Lambert dropped six aces in the match and served up 18 assists to help bring the Swat offense back from the dead.
Lambert would also serve the Garnet to game-winning point.
Junior Genny Pezzola had a rough start but climbed back to lead the Swarthmore attack with 17 kills. Montemurro followed closely with 15 and Sullivan added 11.
Once again Coleman was stellar, setting 28 assists.
Throughout the match, junior Lisa Shang kept her cool on defense to keep Swat in the game. Shang dug out 28 balls while Sullivan would join her with 28 of her own. Five Garnet players would record double-digit digs; Coleman with 26, Pezzola 15 and Montemurro 12.
The Swarthmore College volleyball team goes on the road for three weeks before returning to Tarble Pavilion on October 2, hosting McDaniel College. Play is set to begin at 1:00 PM.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT - Match Point vs. Cabrini