Cobleskill Edges Falcons 3-2 in Women’s Volleyball

Photo by Ron Waite
Photo by Ron Waite

In its final match of the Blazer Challenge, the Albertus Magnus women's volleyball team battled in a five-set loss to SUNY Cobleskill in Elms' Picknelly Arena on Saturday morning.

Junior Melissa Manning (Milford, Conn.) recorded a season-high 14 kills along with 18 digs to lead the Falcons in the 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 21-25, 29-27, 4-15) loss as Albertus finished the weekend with a 1-2 record.

Despite the loss, senior Krista LaBissoniere (Meriden, Conn.) put together another stellar outing as she recorded a team-high 28 digs, while Maritza Rosemond (New Haven, Conn.) dished out 30 assists. Rosemond added 19 digs as well, while freshman Kelsey Pendagast (Shelton, Conn.) added nine kills and five solo blocks.

After falling 1-0 after the first set, the Falcons battled back in the second to take a 25-22 victory. In that win, the Falcons recorded 13 kills in 34 attempts. Cobleskill took the third set before Albertus tied the match at two-apiece with a 29-27 victory in the fourth set.

The Fighting Tigers dominated the final set, winning 15-4, as they recorded seven kills and just one hitting error.

Hannah Barr led the Fighting Tigers in the contest with 15 kills, while Casey Holbert and Mary Gallagher split the setting duties with 21 and 20 assists, respectively.

For their efforts, LaBissoniere and Manning were named to the All-Tournament Team along with Elms' Caitlyn Larvey, Cobleskill's Melissa Spears and Brandi Persico and Sage's Katelyn Drolette and Joanie Cooney. Cooney was also tagged as the Tournament MVP.

The Falcons return to action on Saturday, Sept. 8 as they will compete in their first tri-match of the season. Albertus will take on Pine Manor at 1:00 p.m. at Mitchell College before playing the Mariners at 3:00 p.m.