The AU volleyball team lost its first Patriot League game of the season in a 3-1 loss Oct. 5 to the United States Military Academy to close out a three-game homestand and putting the Eagles in a tie for second place in the conference.
The AU volleyball team lost its Patriot League game of the season against the United States Military Academy on Oct. 5. AU’s loss at the end of a three-game homestand puts them in a tie for second place in the Patriot League.
The Eagles (18-2, 4-1, PL) played four hard-fought sets against the Black Knights. The margin of victory in each set was no greater than four points.
AU held a steady lead in the first set, but dropped the set following a rally by Army. After the Eagles gained a 21-14 advantage, the Black Knights (7-8, 4-1, PL) responded with six straight kills, which combined with the Eagles’ two attack errors. Despite two timeouts, AU lost the first set 25-22.
Unlike the first set, AU sustained the lead it earned over Army in the second. The Eagles gained a 2-1 advantage over the Black Knights following a kill by junior outside hitter Kristyna Lindovksa and kept the lead throughout the game. The Eagles went on to win the set 25-21.
AU fought hard against Army in the third and fourth sets, but failed to win in either. The Eagles led the Black Knights for the majority of the third set, but the Black Knights tied the Eagles 20-20 and eventually won the set 25-23. The Eagles then lost in the final set 25-21, conceding the win to Army.
Senior outside hitter Juliana Crum and Lindvoska both earned double-doubles in AU’s loss against Army. Crum notched 13 kills and 13 digs while Lindvoska secured 17 kills and 12 digs. Junior setter Monika Smidova also contributed 35 assists to the Eagles’ effort.
AU will embark on a four-game road trip beginning with a match against Colgate University, the defending Patriot League champion Oct. 11. Colgate currently holds first place in the Patriot League.
