ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team fell to Cairn University in straight sets, 27-25, 25-21, 25-19, in its regular season finale at Lees Gymnasium on Tuesday evening on Senior Night.

Prior to the match, the program honored its two seniors Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) and Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) in a special ceremony.

The first set began with the Falcons taking an early lead, propelled by Everett's block and a service ace from Davila, establishing a 5-0 run. First-years Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community) and Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) contributed with kills to extend their advantage to 7-1. Despite a push from the Highlanders, which included a service ace by junior Anna Dow (Syracuse, N.Y.), Cedar Crest maintained their lead at 11-9. The home team continued to find success with Everett's multiple kills, widening the gap to 18-11. A combination of opponent errors and effective plays by the home team kept the momentum on their side. However, Cairn mounted a comeback, leveling the score at 21-21. In a tense conclusion, Beck's kill gave the Falcons a 25-24 advantage, but the Highlanders responded with three consecutive points to clinch the set 27-25.

The second set started with Cedar Crest establishing an early lead, featuring a kill by Everett from Davila, followed by a series of strong plays including a kill from Fitzpatrick to push the score to 3-1. The Falcons maintained control with a solid sequence of points, highlighted by another kill from Everett and a series of opponent errors, extending their lead to 12-5. As the set progressed, the home team continued to apply pressure, with junior Maiya Piccarreta (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area) and Fitzpatrick contributing crucial kills. However, Cairn narrowed the gap with a series of kills and capitalized on some attack errors by the Falcons, tying the score at 20-20. Despite a late push from Cedar Crest, the Highlanders' consistent attack broke the tie, closing the set at 25-21.

The Falcons opened the third set strongly, with Davila delivering two service aces and Everett contributing a block, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. However, Cairn responded to level the score at 4-4, and a series of back-and-forth points kept the score closely contested. A crucial kill by Everett, assisted by Davila, provided a temporary edge, but the Highlanders surged forward, capitalizing on a sequence of errors to take control. Midway through the set, Cedar Crest fought back as Everett and Beck secured timely kills, narrowing the gap. Despite a persistent effort, including another kill by Davila and an error from Cairn, the visitors maintained their lead. The visitors extended their advantage late in the set, and after a series of exchanged points, Cedar Crest's attempts to close the gap fell short. The set ended with the Highlanders winning 25-19.

Everett led the team with 13 kills and 16 digs and contributed significantly at the net with five total blocks, finishing with a team-high 17.5 points. Piccarreta added 13 digs, providing strong back-row defense. Davila recorded 19 assists and excelled from the service line with four aces, including her 100^th career ace.

Dow was a key contributor for Cairn, leading with 30 assists and adding four kills with a hitting percentage of .429. First-year Marah Lehman (Chambersburg, Pa.) excelled defensively, recording 18 digs and contributing nine kills. Sophomore Maddie Shackelford (Warrington, Pa.) showcased versatility, securing four total blocks and three service aces, while also adding four kills.

Cedar Crest (5-22 overall, 4-6 United East) has qualified for the United East Conference Championship Tournament and will await its matchup, which will be announced later this week. Cairn (16-5 overall, 7-2 United East) will next host Immaculata University on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m.