Clarks Summit, PA - While on the surface, a 3-0 loss might seem like a disappointment for the Cedar Crest volleyball team, coach Kristin Maile could see the bright side in a loss at Baptist Bible College on Tuesday. Last season, the Defenders were the runners-up in the Colonial States Athletic Conference volleyball championship, had four All-Conference players on the roster, and had the CSAC Coach of the Year in Dave Shumaker. This season, their losses so far have come from some stiff competition, and  they entered the match on Tuesday as winners of their last six in a row.

Losing the first set 25-11 was certainly a reality check, but the young Cedar Crest team gritted their teeth, refocused, and kept things a little closer in the second set, a 25-17 loss. By the third set, the Falcons were able to go toe-to-toe with the Defenders, forcing extra points and only losing 27-25. After the match, Maile said "There's no shame in losing to one of the best teams in the conference. I was really happy to see that we were able to keep up with them by the third set. That shows me that we can play with anyone."
 
Cedar Crest freshman Deb Lobien (Lehighton, PA, Lehighton)  had 20 assists and 11 digs in the loss. Freshmen Kiersten Collins (Forest City, PA, Forest City Regional) and Becca Grady (Silver Spring, MD, Paint Branch) each had eight kills, with Grady hitting at .429.  Freshman Nikki Johnson (Ashley, PA, Holy Redeemer) led all players with 21 digs.

Cedar Crest drops to 5-4 overall and 0-2 in the CSAC, while Baptist Bible improves to 7-8 and 2-0 in conference. The Falcons will return home for a non-conference match against MAC opponent Delaware Valley on Thursday, September 22nd, at 7:00 PM.

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