Volleyball Loses Battle to Rival Haverford 3-1
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The Swarthmore volleyball team (17-9, 7-2 CC) fought a hard battle in its heated Conference rivalry game against Haverford (16-13, 9-0 CC) but fell short as the Fords would go on to win 3-1 (20-25, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25).
Santana led the Garnet defense with 20 digs.
What was built as "the Conference match of the year" surely did not disappoint. Long volleys and amazing defensive plays on both ends of the court were seen in almost every sequence of the match.
Junior libero Hillary Santana was everywhere, holding the Swarthmore defense together with 20 digs including numerous point-saving dives.
Three more Garnet players, senior Sarah Lambert (13), junior Genny Pezzola (12) and freshman Danielle Sullivan (11), would also pick up double-digit digs.
Freshmen Brone Lobichusky and Maggie Duszyk were key for the Swat defense at the net with two blocks apiece.
Montemurro had 14 kills and a block in the match.
On offense, sophomore Kat Montemurro would put up 14 kills to lead the Garnet while Pezzola would post another double-double with 10 kills along with her 12 digs. Pezzola also had three service aces in the match.
Lobichusky would blast nine kills for the Swarthmore.
Sophomore Allison Coleman was once again the keystone of the Swat offense with 32 assists, not to mention her five kills and nine digs.
The lost snaps Swarthmore's seven game Conference win streak. In fact, the Garnet had won 21 straight sets in Centennial play before the loss to the Fords.
Swarthmore will try to rebound on Saturday in its regular season Conference finale at Franklin & Marshall. Play is set to begin at 12:00 PM.