Sept. 21, 2006
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Despite a dominating game one win and valiant effort in game four, a Lafayette comeback was not in the cards as the Leopards dropped a heartbreaking 3-1 match to defending Patriot League champion American, bringing the Leopards' five-game win streak to an end on Thursday night at Kirby Sports Center.
Both teams were hot-and-cold all night, but it was Lafayette (5-5, 0-1 PL) that came out on fire en route to a 30-15 triumph in game one. The Leopards hit for a .405 percentage in the opener. Freshman setter Ashton Rossi kick-started the match with three straight service points, including consecutive aces, to put the Leopards up 3-1. A kill from American's (9-6, 2-0 PL) Rubena Sukaj trimmed the lead to 5-3, but then the Leopards scored four unanswered points, highlighted by a kill and ace from senior tri-captain Veronica Canto-Ponce to make it 9-3 in favor of Lafayette. American countered on several occasions, but Lafayette never looked back, maintaining at least a six-point cushion from that point on. The Leopards' largest lead of the game, 26-13, followed seven straight points served from Canto-Ponce, including three of her six aces on the night.
American took the ensuing two games, 30-16, 30-14. However, Lafayette challenged the Eagles point-for-point throughout the majority of game four, keeping things interesting for the crowd. In a game that featured nine ties, Lafayette seemed to be just one play away from taking over. The final tie came at 19-19 on an American service error charged to Christine Nash. Kills from seniors Shannon Fisher and Canto-Ponce, along with strikes from junior Michaela Donohue and rookie Cara Mulholland down the stretch was not enough to counter American's attack. The Eagles went on to win, 30-23.
Canto-Ponce led three players in double-figures with 14 kills to go with her 13 digs and a season-high six service aces. The double-double marked her second of the season. Mulholland and Fisher registered 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Donohue matched Canto-Ponce's 13 digs, while freshman Kari Horn and sophomore Karla Barbiche contributed 11 and 10, respectively.
Rossi played the opening three games, totaling 24 assists before handing the reins over to sophomore Megan Carter, who finished with 17.
Sukaj led all players with 20 kills, while Elizabeth Maloney and Julia Borecka finished with 12 and 10, respectively.
The Leopards return to action with their second of six straight home matches on Saturday, Sept. 23. Lafayette's second Patriot League test awaits, as Navy visits Kirby Sports Center at 4 p.m.
