COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College split a pair of matches on Saturday in a tri-match at Ursinus College. The Falcons opened the day with a loss to the host Bears in straight sets and then rebounded for a decisive 3-0 victory over Goucher College.

Ursinus 3, Cedar Crest 0 (16-25, 15-25, 19-25)

In the match against Ursinus, the first set opened with a tight exchange of points, highlighted by senior Ellise Everett's (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) early kill that tied the score at 1-1. Cedar Crest responded to the Bears' brief lead with a kill from first-year Kayla Duenkel (Central Square, N.Y./Bishop Grimes), leveling the score at 6-6. Despite the Falcons' efforts, including a service ace by first-year Samantha Fitzpatrick (Royse City, Texas/Community) that brought the team within one point at 13-12, Ursinus capitalized on errors and service aces to extend their lead. The set concluded with the Bears securing a 25-16 win after a series of effective serves and a final service ace by sophomore Molly Stevenson (New Market, Md.).

The second set saw Ursinus initiate a strong offensive, quickly gaining a 4-0 lead through efficient play and errors from the Falcons. Everett and senior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) delivered notable performances, which energized their side and helped them reach a score of 15. Despite a late surge with consecutive points from Everett, Davila, and first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21), Cedar Crest fell short as the Bears capitalized on service aces and errors to win the set, 25-15.

In the third set, Ursinus secured an early 2-0 lead with a kill from sophomore Zoe George (Pottstown, Pa.)) and a service ace by senior Erin Dychdala (Phoenixville, Pa.). The Falcons responded with Everett and first-year Sophia Curran (Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier) contributing to a brief lead change, making it 3-2. Despite a strong surge, including a kill and block by Davila, the Bears capitalized on a series of attack errors to extend their lead. The Falcons attempted a comeback led by junior Maiya Piccarreta's (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone Area) consecutive service aces and Everett's consistent kills, narrowing the gap to 16-13. However, Ursinus maintained their advantage, securing the set 25-19.

Everett led the Cedar Crest with 11 kills and added 10 digs. Davila recorded 17 assists, effectively facilitating the offense while also adding seven digs. First-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) was active defensively, collecting 14 digs and serving one ace.

Dychdala showcased her serving skill for the Bears, recording four aces across three sets. Senior Lexi Couch (Forest Hill, Md.) led the offensive effort for Ursinus with 11 kills on a .391 hitting percentage and added two digs and one solo block. George contributed with a team-high .545 hitting percentage, tallying seven kills and a block assist.

Match Two - Cedar Crest 3, Goucher 0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-21)

Cedar Crest opened the first set with a commanding performance, securing a 25-13 victory. Davila set the tone early with an ace and contributed multiple assists, facilitating a strong offensive showing for Everett, who delivered four pivotal kills. The Falcons capitalized on the Gophers' errors, including a stretch where they scored five consecutive points, capped by a service ace from Curran to close the set.

Cedar Crest took control of the second set with a dominant start, propelled by Everett's early kill. Pietila's serving was a highlight, delivering four service aces and helping the Falcons build a commanding 12-1 lead. Davila consistently set up her teammates, resulting in multiple kills for Everett and contributing to the 25-19 victory.

The third set unfolded with a strong start for the Falcons, as Everett's early service ace and a decisive kill shifted momentum in their favor, equalizing the score at 3-3. Although Goucher gained a temporary lead with a series of service aces by junior Athena Savick (Reisterstown, Md.), Cedar Crest responded with a determined performance, notably during a critical stretch where Everett and Davila combined for key plays, including four successful kills by Everett. A strategic push late in the set, highlighted by Beck's crucial block and Curran's service aces, propelled the Falcons to a 25-21 victory.

Everett paced the Cedar Crest with 19 kills and collected 15 digs over three sets against Goucher. Pietila delivered a strong performance with 21 digs and recorded four service aces. Davila facilitated the offense with 30 assists while adding three service aces.

Savick stood out defensively for the Gophers, recording 18 digs and also contributing offensively with four aces. Senior Olivia DeBiasio (Norristown, Pa.) led the team with nine kills on 34 attempts while also serving two aces. First-year Sofia Ortiz (Edgewood, Md.) played a crucial role as a setter, providing 13 assists and adding 10 digs to her performance.

Cedar Crest (1-13 overall) stays on the road to face Immaculata University on Wednesday, September 24, beginning at 7:00 p.m.