EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette volleyball team defeated Loyola 3-1 (25-23, 29-27, 23-25, 25-16) in a thrilling match Friday at Kirby Sports Center.

The Leopards were led in the match by freshman Carol Ulichney who a tied a career-high with 14 kills. Senior Grace Steurer and junior Alyssa Vitale both recorded double-doubles, with Steurer recording 12 kills and 15 digs and Vitale credited with 50 assists and 16 digs.

Lafayette scored first in the opening set and jumped out to a 15-14 lead, but Loyola responded quickly, climbing to a 23-20 lead.  A 5-0 Lafayette run to close out the set propelled the Leopards to victory with a tally of 25-23.

The Leopards scored first once again in the second set, on a service ace by sophomore Abby Nieporte, but Loyola came back to take the lead 15-13 at the media timeout. Loyola expanded its advantage to 21-17, but Lafayette fought back scoring five straight points, including two consecutive kills by Steurer to the give the Leopards a 22-21 lead. The teams continued to trade points until back-to-back attack errors by Loyola clinched the set for Lafayette 29-27.

In the third set, Loyola started off hot, opening the set on a 9-3 run punctuated by five kills from Lauren Link. Lafayette came back to tie the set at 21 on a kill by Nieporte. Loyola took four of the last six points, to win the set 25-23.

In the fourth set, Loyola jumped out to a 9-6 lead, but the Leopards regained control with a 10-1 run that was powered by five service aces, two from senior Mataya Megson and three from Vitale. Lafayette maintained the lead for the rest of the set, ending with a kill by Nieporte that gave the Leopards a 25-16 victory in the set, and a 3-1 win for the match.

Nieporte recorded 13 kills and junior Gracie Gibson had 10 kills and hit .455. Junior Katie Weston recorded 25 digs. Vitale and Megson both recorded three service aces.

The Leopards conclude their 2022 home slate on Saturday, hosting Navy on Senior Day at 4 p.m.