GALLOWAY, N.J. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team succumbed to Stockton University in straight sets, 25-6, 25-12, 25-14, on Thursday evening at the Sports Center. The Ospreys' offensive efficiency was highlighted by a .552 hitting percentage in set one.

Set number one saw Stockton seize control early, opening with a 9-1 run punctuated by three kills from junior Nicole Palmer (Islip Terrace, N.Y.), all assisted by senior Regan Mendick (Newark, Del.). The Falcons struggled to find momentum, despite a brief spark with first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) and senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) each securing a kill, both set up by junior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson). Junior Lauren Sommer (York, Pa.) then served through a challenging stretch, contributing a service ace and capitalizing on Cedar Crest's errors to extend the lead to 21-4, eventually closing the set 25-6.

Set two began with the Falcons taking an early lead, as Davila set up a kill for first-year Kayla Duenkel (Central Square, N.Y./Bishop Grimes) at 1-0. Despite this strong start, the Falcons faced a challenging stretch as the Ospreys capitalized on errors and a series of kills, including a run of five straight points to move the score to 13-7. Cedar Crest responded with a kill from first-year Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community), but Stockton's consistent service pressure, including aces from first-year Helen Murray (Virginia Beach, Virginia), ultimately closed the set at 25-12.

The third set commenced with the Falcons struggling to find its rhythm as the Ospreys opened with a 6-1 lead. Despite the early setback, Cedar Crest rallied, with Everett and Beck contributing key kills to trim the deficit to 10-6. Davila's setting prowess was evident, assisting on multiple occasions, but Stockton extended their advantage with a series of kills from first-year Olivia Magro (Brigantine, N.J.), eventually closing the set 25-14.

Everett contributed with four kills and one ace, accumulating a total of five points. Davila facilitated the offense by recording 12 assists alongside five digs. Duenkel added to the team's defense by posting one block and three kills, contributing to her four total points. Meanwhile, first-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) supported the back row with five digs and one assist.

Magro has been a standout performer for the Ospreys, leading the squad with 13 kills on a .524 hitting percentage across three games. Mendick also contributed significantly with a perfect hitting percentage of 1.000, recording two kills in her appearances along with 12 assists. Senior Camille De La Torre (Lancaster, Pa.) was been effective on both sides of the ball, tallying five kills on a .313 hitting percentage, adding two service aces, and securing six digs over three games.

Looking ahead, Cedar Crest (0-12 overall) will head Ursinus College in their next outing on Saturday, September 20 for a tri-match. The Falcons will face the host Bears at 11:00 a.m. followed by Goucher College at 1:00 p.m. Stockton (5-3 overall) opens conference play with its next match on Tuesday, September 23 against Rowan University at home at 7:00 p.m.