Sept. 22, 2007
Box Score
Elizabethtown, Pa. - The Neumann volleyball team split its opening two matches at the Blue Jay Classic, losing 3-1 to Franklin and Marshall College before rebounding to a 3-0 win over Lycoming College Friday evening. The Knights were outlasted in a closely contested showdown with Franklin and Marshall, falling 3-1 (25-30, 30-27, 30-21, 30-25). They followed that up with a 3-0 defeat of Lycoming College (30-21, 30-21, 30-14) in the nightcap.
Neumann's Rachael Sokolovich (Media, Pa. /Ridley) led the team offensively with 13 kills. She was also an integral part of the Knights defense adding 14 digs to her statistical total. Ashley Mathis (Norristown, Pa. /Norristown) chipped in with 12 kills and Knights setter Kristen Verone (Folsom, Pa. /Cardinal O'Hara) record 32 successful sets in the loss. Tri-captain Alyssa Brigg (Rosemont, Pa. /Archbishop Carroll) tallied four-service aces, Meghan Wilson (West Chester, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) was the Knights defensive leader with 18 digs and Julia Tarloski (Malvern, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) added 5 blocks (3-block solos, 2-block assists) which extender her season total to 50.
Returning to the Thompson Gymnasium floor at 8:30, the Knights faced Lycoming College in their final game of the night. The match started off well, as the Knights outlasted the Warriors to earn a 30-21 victory in game one. Holding a 1-0 lead in the match, Neumann repeated its efforts in game two earning yet another 30-21 win over its opponent. Neumann continued its momentum in game three sweeping the Warriors with little effort, 30-15.
The trio of Lauren Sheehan (Port Carbon, Pa. /Nativity BVM), Julia Tarloski and Emilee Gruse (Lafayette, In. /St. Mark's) led the Knights with nine kills each. Kristen Verone recorded 25 assists and added 5 service aces to the Knights' point total. Teammate Rachael Sokolovich was also on target off the serve recording 4 service aces in the win.
The Knights will be back in action Saturday at 12:00 p.m. against Widener in game two of the Blue Jay Classic.
