ROCHESTER, NY (
nazathletics.com) - The Golden Flyers wrapped up day one of their home invitational with a doubleheader, battling SUNY Morrisville in a five-set thriller before returning to the court for a three-set match against Alfred State. Despite competitive pushes in each match, Nazareth ultimately fell 3-2 to Morrisville and 3-0 to Alfred State. The Golden Flyers now sit at 1-6 overall on the season.
Game 1 vs SUNY Morrisville
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Nazareth opened the match strong, taking a 3-2 lead in the first set after an Alana Lucey kill off a Hailey Trank set. Morrisville responded with a decisive run, building a 14-8 lead. The Mustangs' big outside hitters continued to apply pressure at the net, steering them to a 25-14 win in the opening set.
- The Golden Flyers answered in the second set with a strong performance. They shot out to a 14-6 lead, behind kills from Sarah Harvey, Leah Fusilli and Lorianna Mattutat. The Golden Flyers maintained control through the rest of the set to secure a 25-20 win and even the match.
- Morrisville regained momentum in the third set, opening with a service ace and stringing together a 5-0 lead. Nazareth cut the deficit to 7-3 on a Harvey kill, but the Mustangs continued to convert, pulling away from Nazareth for a 25-18 victory.
- Nazareth responded again in the fourth set, controlling the set with steady defense and timely swings. Trank delivered an ace to make it 12-10 before Fusilli added multiple kills during a Nazareth run that pushed the Flyers ahead 18-12. Nazareth held Morrisville off late to force a winner-take-all fifth set with a 25-18 win.
- In the final set, Morrisville's front line proved the difference. The Mustangs built a 6-3 lead and then later extended the margin to 12-6 behind strong blocking. Morrisville hung on for a 15-7 win in the fifth set to defeat Nazareth.
GAME NOTES:
- Leah Fusilli had a strong performance to lead Nazareth with 18 kills, 9 digs, and 4 service aces
- Alana Lucey added 7 kills and 3 blocks, finishing with 9.5 points.
- Sarah Harvey contributed 7 kills, 5 digs, and 2 aces, her most efficient outing of the season.
- Hailey Trank posted 21 assists and 3 aces, while Katie Evans added 13 assists
- Gretchen Klossner anchored the back row with 21 digs, her season-high.
Game 2 vs Alfred State
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Nazareth opened the first set with a 3-0 start behind two early attack errors forced by the Golden Flyers. Alfred State responded with a 7-2 run to take a 10-7 lead. A Leah Fusilli ace pulled Nazareth within one point, making it 17-16. However, Alfred State closed the set on an 8-0 run to win it 25-16.
- The second set featured 10 ties and multiple momentum swings. Nazareth grabbed a 6-3 lead after kills from Fusilli and Alana Lucey. Back-to-back errors from Alfred State helped Nazareth extend the advantage to 13-10 before the Pioneers surged ahead to take an 18-15 lead. Nazareth rallied to tie it at 18-18, then a 7-1 run gave Alfred State a 25-19 win in the second set.
- Alfred State answered an early 6-4 lead from the Golden Flyers with a 10-3 run to get in control of the third set. Nazareth stayed within striking distance, making it 18-15, but the Pioneers pulled away to take it 25-22.
GAME NOTES:
- Leah Fusilli again led the Golden Flyers with 9 kills, 9 digs, and 1 ace
- Chelsea Plummer provided strong production off the bench, totaling 5 kills on 13 swings
- Sarah Harvey added 4 kills, 3 digs, and a block assist across two sets
- Alana Lucey chipped in 3 kills, 5 digs, 1 ace, and a block assist
- Hailey Trank recorded 15 assists, while Katie Evans added 9 assists
- Gretchen Klossner anchored the back row with 7 digs, marking her sixth match this season with 7 or more digs
UP NEXT:
The Golden Flyers are set to take on SUNY Delhi tomorrow, September 19th at 4 p.m. at the Kidera Gymnasium.
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