Box Score ARLINGTON, VA - Despite a strong start in the opening set, the Nazareth University women's volleyball team fell in four sets to Shenandoah University on Friday afternoon at Marymount University. The Golden Flyers took the first set 25-20 before the Hornets rallied to win the next three sets (25-20, 25-15, 25-17). With the loss, Nazareth drops 0-4 on the season, while Shenandoah improves 3-3.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Nazareth came out energized in the opening set, capitalizing on Shenandoah's 11 attack errors to secure a 25-20 win. Junior libero Jenna Mattison anchored the defense with six digs in the the first set, while senior outside hitter senior Leah Fusilli and sophomore Alana Lucey contributed offensively with kills.
Shenandoah bounced back in set two, to even the match at 1-1. Nazareth struggled to find rhythm offensively, managing just six kills on 33 attempts for a .000 hitting percentage in the set.
The Hornets controlled the tempo in the third and fourth sets. The Golden Flyers hit -.140 in the third and .000 in the fourth, unable to capitalize in scoring opportunities despite solid efforts from their front row.
BY THE NUMBERS:
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Fusilli once again led the Golden Flyers with seven kills, 14 digs, an ace, continuing her strong all-around play to start the season.
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Lucey added 5 kills and a match-high seven blocks, showing her presence at the net on both sides.
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Sophomore Chelsea Plummer chipped in four kills, three blocks, and 8 digs, contributing to both the offense and backcourt.
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Freshman setter, Madeline Saunders, handed out 8 assists while senior Hailey Trank added 7 of her own.
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Junior Jenna Mattison posted a team-high 17 digs and recorded one of Nazareth's three service aces.
As a team, Nazareth totaled 24 kills, 21 assists, and 55 digs but was outpaced by Shenandoah's 48 kills and 80 digs. The Golden Flyers were also challenged at the service line, with the Hornet's collecting 10 aces to Nazareth's 3.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Nazareth will return to action on Saturday September, 5 in Arlington, VA for a double header. Match one is against Kean University at 9 a.m and match two against Marymount University at 2 p.m.
