ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team suffered defeats to Muhlenberg College in straight sets and St. Lawrence University in a four-set match at the Buttermaker Tournament on Friday at Memorial Hall.

Match One – Muhlenberg 3, Cedar Crest 0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-13)

In the match against the Mules, the first set opened with senior Ellise Everett's (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) kill from junior Tianlly Davila's (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) assist, giving the Falcons an early lead. However, despite Everett's efforts, including another kill at 7-12, Muhlenberg, led by service aces from sophomore Olivia Bruno (Madison, N.J.) and sophomore Maddy Budris (Bellport, N.Y.), extended their lead to close the set at 25-10.

The second set saw the Mules take an early lead again, capitalizing on service errors and efficient plays from junior Jenny Ryan (Athens, Pa.). Cedar Crest's Everett and junior Maiya Piccarreta (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area) attempted to break the momentum with key points, but Muhlenberg secured the set 25-13, propelled by first-year Andrea Romero-Agosto (Las Vegas, Nev.).

In the third set, Cedar Crest trailed 2-0 due to attack errors. Everett responded with a kill, but the Mules extended their lead to 15-5. The Falcons rallied late with a service ace by first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) and consecutive kills from Beck and Everett, narrowing the gap to 24-13 before Muhlenberg sealed the set with a final kill by junior Natalia Agnolet (Long Valley, N.J.).

Everett recorded six kills and a block assist, finishing with 6.5 points over three sets. Piccarreta achieved a perfect attack percentage, while Davila distributed 11 assists and collected four digs. Beck added two kills, one service ace, and led defensively with six digs.

Ryan led Muhlenberg with four service aces and 13 assists, while senior Christina Marcin (Wilmington, Del.) was a standout attacker with a .750 hitting percentage, six kills, and three service aces. Bruno also excelled, recording seven kills on 11 attempts and contributing two service aces.

Match Two – St. Lawrence 3, Cedar Crest 1 (14-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-25)

In the subsequent match against St. Lawrence, Cedar Crest opened the first set strong with a lineup featuring Davila and Everett, but fell behind as the Saints capitalized on errors and a strong serving run by senior Lily Snide (Plattsburgh, N.Y.), closing the set 25-14.

The second set showcased a fierce back-and-forth contest, with the Falcons finding momentum through Everett's multiple kills and a pivotal service ace from Davila, leading to a narrow 26-24 victory for the Cedar Crest.

The Falcons started the third set strong, taking a 3-0 lead with a service ace from Davila, but St. Lawrence rallied back, tying the match at 17-17 before clinching the set 25-22.

In the fourth set, Everett continued her offensive push, keeping Cedar Crest within reach at 8-6. However, the Saints' series of service aces and errors allowed them to extend their lead, ultimately winning the set 25-15.

Everett paced the Falcons with 18 kills and accumulated 20.5 points over four sets, while Davila contributed significantly with 24 assists and two service aces. Beck recorded five kills and was strong defensively with two blocks. Pietila added 11 digs for added stability.

Snide made a significant impact for St. Lawrence with six service aces, while junior Vanessa Latam (Boxford, Mass.) matched that total and led with 24 assists. Senior Maggie Layman (West Chester, Pa.) anchored their defense with 20 digs.

Cedar Crest (0-8 overall) resumes the Buttermaker Tournament on Saturday, September 13 where they will face William Peace University at 12:00 p.m. and Randolph-Macon College at 2:00 p.m.