Sept. 1, 2006
Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette volleyball team fell in its 2006 season-opener at the Jacksonville Crisper Invitational on Friday night at Swisher Gymnasium. The Leopards drew Georgia Southern in the opening round of the tournament, but were handed a 3-0 (30-22, 30-28, 30-24) loss heading into Saturday's action.
"I was pleased with our defensive effort overall," said head coach Terri Dadio Campbell. "We played with great competitiveness against a very talented Georgia Southern team."
The Leopards managed 39 kills in the effort, including 16 between rookies Ashton Rossi and Cara Mulholland. Veteran and First Team All-Patriot League player Veronica Canto-Ponce totaled a team-high 10 kills, while equaling a match-best three service aces. Junior Maura Kelly came up with six kills for the Maroon and White.
The Leopards stayed on the Eagles' heels throughout the first 20 points in the opener, but Georgia Southern pulled away late behind the blocking efforts of Jennifer Schenk, who finished the match with nine block assists and 5.5 total.
"We had trouble hitting around the block all three games," Campbell said. "However, we made up for it with solid defense that kept us in the match. The freshmen that saw time did a great job for us. Their intensity and desire will be a huge help for us this season."
Lafayette pushed Georgia Southern to a 30-28 decision in game two. The Leopards fell behind early in the second game, but rallied to outscore the Eagles 9-2. The score seesawed throughout closing plays and Lafayette came up just short, 30-28. Lafayette dropped game three 30-24.
Rossi added 22 assists to her five kills, while sophomore Megan Carter helped out with eight. Freshman Kari Horn and junior Michaela Donohue combined for 16 of the Leopards' 34 digs on the night.
Action continues on Saturday beginning with a Lafayette-Southern Louisiana match-up at 1:30. The Leopards are then schedule to take on host Jacksonville University at 6:30 in the final match of the weekend. Lafayette represents the lone non-scholarship team in the tournament field.
