ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Cedar Crest College volleyball team dropped a pair of matches during its season opener in a tri-match at Lees Gymnasium, falling to Delaware Valley University in a five-set thriller and succumbing to Gwynedd Mercy University in straight sets.

Match One – Delaware Valley 3, Cedar Crest 2

In the first match against the Aggies, Cedar Crest fought hard but ultimately lost 3-2, with scores of 25-21, 19-25, 22-25, 25-21, and 17-15. The Falcons started strong in the first set, utilizing a kill from senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) to tie the score at 3-3. However, a series of errors allowed Delaware Valley to pull ahead, though the Falcons rallied with a 5-0 run sparked by a service ace from junior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson), narrowing the gap to 22-21. Despite their efforts, Delaware Valley clinched the set with a decisive kill.

In the second set, Cedar Crest established an early lead thanks to a kill by Everett, assisted by Davila. After trailing 8-3, the Falcons regained momentum with a 6-0 run, including a service ace from first-year Sophia Curran (Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier), ultimately winning the set 25-19, capped by a service ace from first-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville).

The third set showcased Cedar Crest's resilience as they launched a 5-0 run, with key contributions from Everett and first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21). Despite a late push from the Aggies, the Falcons secured the set 25-22. However, the fourth set saw back-and-forth action with the lead changing several times. Despite Everett's dominant performance, Delaware Valley took the set 25-21.

In a tightly contested fifth set, Cedar Crest started strong with two consecutive service aces from Davila and an early kill from Everett, taking a 3-0 lead. The set saw a series of back-and-forth points, but ultimately Cedar Crest fell 17-15.

Everett led the Falcons with seven blocks and recorded 24.0 points. Davila provided a strong defensive presence with 16 digs, 28 assists, and three service aces, while Pietila recorded a team-high 28 digs. For Delaware Valley, Monique Smith starred with 25.0 points, including 23 kills, while Madison Alexander added 40 assists.

Match Two – Gwynedd Mercy 3, Cedar Crest 0

In the second match, Gwynedd Mercy University topped Cedar Crest in straight sets, winning 25-22, 25-16, and 25-22. The Falcons started the first set well, with Everett delivering multiple early kills to help gain a brief lead. However, the Griffins responded with a 4-0 run, closing the set 25-22, aided by Kate Etter's decisive kills.

The second set saw Gwynedd Mercy dominate with an 8-0 lead, powered by four service aces from Ayanna Gaston. Despite a valiant effort from Cedar Crest, including a notable kill from Everett, the Griffins maintained control and secured the set 25-16.

In the final set, Cedar Crest managed an early lead, but the Griffins fought back, tying the score at 3-3. Despite late-game efforts from Everett and kills by Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community) and Kayla Duenkel (Central Square, N.Y./Bishop Grimes), Cedar Crest could not fend off Gwynedd Mercy, who closed out the set 25-22.

Everett led the Falcons once again, finishing with 16.5 points from 15 kills and two blocks. Davila facilitated the offense with 23 assists and seven digs, while Pietila added 14 digs and served two aces. For Gwynedd Mercy, Gaston led with 35 assists and five service aces, while Charlotte Pugh contributed 14 kills and a .407 hitting percentage.

The next challenge for Cedar Crest (0-2 overall) comes as they travel to Aston, Pa., to face Widener University. The match is set for Friday, Sept. 5, with action beginning at 3:00 p.m.