SYRACUSE, N.Y. ­– The Lafayette volleyball team swept Le Moyne (25-11, 25-23, 25-21) in its first action of the 2024 campaign.

The Maroon and White jumped out to an early 5-2 lead in the first set, after senior outside hitter, Abby Nieporte, got a kill. The Dolphins then tied it up at seven points apiece, but the Leopards quickly retook an 11-7 lead with kills from Nieporte and freshman outside hitter Paige Chmura. Chmura finished her collegiate debut with five kills and three block assists, while hitting an impressive 83.3 percent on the way to the Leopards' 25-11 victory in the first.

A high-paced second set featured eight lead changes and 14 tied scores. The first 12 points were split between both teams, but Lafayette found a 9-7 lead courtesy of a pair of attack errors by the Dolphins and a kill from Chmura. The Leopards led 21-17 prior to Le Moyne going on a four-point run. Kills from Anaya Rawlisnon, Branwyn Lupton and Jordyn Hamlin propelled the Dolphins to tying the game at 21 apiece. Lafayette trailed 23-22, but three straight attack errors by Le Moyne gifted the Maroon and White the second set (25-23).

Lafayette never lost the lead in the final set of the match. Junior outside hitter, Carol Ulichney, led the offense down the stretch with five kills, while Nieporte and junior middle blocker, Abby Nicholson, added three each. The Leopards went on to win set number three, 25-21.

On the day, Lafayette hit 43.9 percent and were monsters up front. The team gathered 22 blocks and sophomore middle blocker, Irelynd Lorenzen, was responsible for seven of them.

Setters Mackenzie Calhoun (16) and Anna Penman (10) did a great job finding their teammates, combining for 26 of the team's 36 assists.

The Leopards are back in action at 7 p.m. this evening to face Syracuse to continue Salt City Classic action.



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