ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team lost to Notre Dame of Maryland University in four sets in a United East Conference match on Saturday afternoon at Lees Gymnasium, with scores of 15-25, 17-25, 25-23, 13-25.

The first set began with the Gators taking an early lead, fueled by first-year Alyson Lackovic (Ontario, Canada)'s effective service play, which included two aces. The Falcons responded as first-year Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community) recorded a kill and an ace, contributing to a four-point run that leveled the score at 4-4. Despite this momentum shift, the Gators regained control with a series of successful plays, including kills by junior Myla Palmer (Newark, Del.) and service aces that extended their lead. As the set progressed, Cedar Crest managed to capitalize on some errors from the NDMU, with Fitzpatrick adding another kill. However, the Gators' consistent pressure and efficient offense, highlighted by Palmer and Lackovic, helped them maintain the upper hand. The first set concluded with the Gators securing a 25-15 victory.

Notre Dame initiated the second set with a strong start, capitalizing on early service and attack errors from the Falcons to establish a 4-0 lead. The Falcons responded with a service ace from first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) and a kill by first-year Kayla Duenkel (Central Square, N.Y./Bishop Grimes) to narrow the gap to 5-4. However, the Gators surged ahead again, reaching a 9-4 advantage. Cedar Crest mounted a rally with senior Tianlly Davila's (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) service ace and a kill by junior Maiya Piccarreta (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area) to level the score at 9-9. Despite this comeback, NDMU regained control with a series of kills and blocks, extending their lead to 14-9. In the final stretch, the Gators capitalized on the Falcons' service errors and their own efficient attacking, closing the set at 25-17. Cedar Crest ended the set trailing but demonstrated resilience through key plays from Piccarreta and Curran.

NDMU opened the third set with a 4-0 lead. The Falcons turned the momentum with a service error from the Gators and a kill by Duenkel. A service ace by Davila helped cut the deficit, bringing the score to 6-3. Cedar Crest continued to narrow the gap, with Piccarreta delivering back-to-back service aces to level the score at 11-11. Fitzpatrick's kill moved the Falcons ahead 13-11, and a block by Davila extended the lead to 15-12. Cedar Crest maintained their advantage through consistent play, despite the Gators' attempts to close the gap. A key kill by Beck and another by Fitzpatrick brought the score to 24-21. Although Notre Dame added late points, Fitzpatrick secured the final kill, sealing the set 25-23 for the Falcons.

Cedar Crest began the fourth set with an initial point from an attack error by the Gators. However, NDMU quickly responded and gained momentum through a series of successful plays, including a service ace by Palmer, to lead 5-2. The Falcons fought back to even the score at 5-5, highlighted by a service ace from Beck. The Gators then seized control with a substantial run, extending their lead to 14-6. Duenkel managed to break the streak with a kill, but NDMU continued to push ahead, reaching a 21-7 advantage. Cedar Crest narrowed the gap slightly with a service ace by Duenkel and kills from Fitzpatrick and Piccarreta. Despite this late effort, the Gators clinched the set 25-13, securing the overall victory.

First-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) led the Falcons defensively, recording 24 digs over four sets. Piccarreta contributed 15 digs, adding to her defensive efforts with three service aces. Davila facilitated the offense, posting 17 assists and achieving two blocks. Offensively, Fitzpatrick was efficient, tallying eight kills with a hitting percentage of .318.

Notre Dame was paced by Lackovic who contributed significantly across multiple categories with a team-high 18 points, eight service aces, and 20 digs, while maintaining a .421 hitting percentage.
Junior Kaliyah Brown (Maricopa, Ariz.) proved vital defensively, recording 19 digs and adding 12 points to the team's effort. Sophomore Izzy Stewart (Ontario, Canada) showcased her serving accuracy with four service aces and added 18 digs, making an impact on both ends. Additionally, junior Shelbey Willson (Dares Beach, Md.) was pivotal in playmaking, leading with 16 assists and enhancing the team's offensive flow.

Cedar Crest (3-18 overall, 2-3 United East) will stay home to host Keystone College on Tuesday, October 14. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. Notre Dame of Maryland (10-5 overall, 2-2 United East) next faces Penn State Berks on the road on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.