Oct. 16, 2004
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette won the first game 30-28, but Navy's combination of setter Ashley Musser and outside hitter Ashley Van Hartesvelt wouldn't let the Midshipmen lose on Saturday night at the Kirby Sports Center.
Musser had 57 assists and eight kills and Van Hartesvelt drilled 27 kills as Navy overcame 21 service errors to emerge with the four game win and improve to 4-3 in the Patriot League and 15-5 overall.
Lafayette (9-10, 2-5 PL) was led by sophomore Veronica Canto-Ponce, who had 20 kills for her seventh 20-plus kill match of the season and 13th straight match in double-figures. Canto-Ponce had 17 double-digit kill matches last season, and went over 20 kills on two occasions.
The first game was well played by both sides, as Van Hartesvelt won the match-up of the Patriot League's top two hitters by pounding 10 kills but Lafayette won the game. Canto-Ponce had seven kills and the Leopards used an advantage in attack and service errors to win 30-28, the 14th game one win in 19 matches for Lafayette.
The second game was the turning point, as Lafayette hung in despite being outhit 21 kills to nine. Van Hartesvelt and Musser combined for a block on the game's final point, as the Leopards were looking to even the score, but Navy claimed a 30-28 win.
Lafayette trailed 19-26 in the third game but rallied to close the margin to 26-27. The pair of Midshipmen each had kills, Navy went ahead 2-1 with another 30-28 decision, and won the match with a 30-19 score in the fourth game.
Canto-Ponce had a team-high 11 digs, and senior Heidi Olichwier chipped in with 35 assists, seven kills and eight digs. Freshman Michaela Donohue had 10 digs and seven kills for Lafayette.
Navy's Beth McArthur also had a nice all-around match with 16 kills and 14 digs.
Lafayette will look for its 10th win of the season as East Stroudsburg comes to the Kirby Sports Center on Wednesday, Oct. 20. The Leopards will open the second round of Patriot League play at Lehigh on Friday, Oct. 22.
