WEST POINT, N.Y. – Despite a third-set push with just a one-point deficit, the Colgate volleyball program was unable to force a fourth game as Army claimed a 3-0 victory on Sunday evening.
Now 1-1 after the opening weekend of play, the Raiders will be back in action as they host Lehigh on Friday, Feb. 26.
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a fast start as Army climbed ahead, but after their fast start, Colgate narrowed the gap to just two at 14-12. Despite the late push by the Raiders, the Black Knights stormed ahead to a 25-19 first set win.
The second set opened with a much more narrow start as the teams were tied up at 5-5 early in the game. Army began to crawl ahead midway through and with a 25-16 decision, Colgate faced their second straight must-win third set of the weekend.
Opening with strong play at the net,
Athena Leota put Colgate up to an early 2-1 lead as the Raiders looked to force a fourth game at the League foe. Although Army jumped ahead yet again,
Libby Overmyer sent a kill to the back row to narrow the gap to just four midway through.
Although the Raiders were able to battle back to within a one-point deficit when they passed the 20-point marker, Army was able to take the match in straight sets behind a 25-23 final.
STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
• Earning her second straight double-double was junior setter
Julia Kurowski behind 28 saves and 11 digs. Kurowski also led the teamwith three block assists on Colgate's five stops at the net.
• Leading the team defensively was senior libero
Bridget Kolsky as she notched a team-high of 15 digs.
• At the net, senior
Alli Lowe posted 11 kills and added one of the Raiders' two service aces.
• First-years also made an impact as
Libby Overmyer notched five kills with an ace, while defensive specialist
Taylor Cigna notched eight digs with a perfect reception on 19 serves.
• Overall, the conference foes battled through nine tie scores and four lead chances through the three sets.
THE BOTTOM LINE
• Army 3, Colgate 0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-23)
RECORD UPDATES
• Colgate now holds a 1-1 overall record, as well as a 1-1 mark in Patriot League play.
• Army stands at 1-1 with the same record in the league.
UP NEXT
The Raiders face Lehigh in a home-and-home series beginning Friday, Feb. 26 at Cotterell Court. First serve is set for 4 p.m., before the road matchup on Sunday.
FOLLOW THE RAIDERS
For more information on the Colgate volleyball program, follow the Raiders on Twitter @ColgateVB and on Instagram at Colgate_VB.
