ASTON, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team was taken down by Widener University in straight sets at The Mirenda Center on Friday afternoon, 3-0 by scores of 25-15, 25-10, and 25-20.

The opening set saw the Pride seize early momentum with a series of strategic plays, including a kill by first-year Gabriella Bottino (Williamstown, N.J.) from sophomore Campbell Chronister (New Oxford, Pa.), setting the tone for their 25-15 victory. The Falcons found moments of success through senior Ellise Everett (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) and first-year Jasmine Beck (Allentown, Pa./Building 21), who each delivered key kills, supported by junior Tianlly Davila's (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) consistent assists. Despite efforts from the Falcons to counter, including a solid kill by first-year Sophia Curran (Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier), Widener maintained their advantage, closing the set with a decisive kill from junior Mira Canali (Waipahu, Hawaii), assisted by Chronister.

The second set saw a strong start from the Pride as Widener quickly established a 2-0 lead with consecutive kills from senior Kristen Vacca (Stoney Creek, Ontario) and Bottino. Cedar Crest responded with a kill by Everett, assisted by Davila, to bring the score to 2-1. Despite a few key moments, including another kill from Everett at 20-9, the Falcons faced challenges in maintaining momentum, while the Pride capitalized on multiple errors and consistent attacking to secure a 25-10 victory in the set.

Cedar Crest opened the third set with a balanced attack, but Widener quickly established a lead, taking advantage of multiple service aces by first-year Ava Kramer (Naples, Fla.) to build an 11-3 advantage. The Falcons responded with a determined comeback, highlighted by a service streak from Curran, which included three consecutive aces, narrowing the gap to 14-12. Despite additional kills by Everett and Davila, the Pride maintained their edge and closed out the set with a 25-20 victory, aided by timely kills from Bottino and Kramer.

Everett recorded eight kills with a .467 hitting percentage, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Davila added 13 assists and two kills on two attempts, maintaining a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. Curran delivered from the service line with three aces, while also collecting six digs defensively. First-year Phoebe Pietila (Hayesville, N.C./Hayesville) anchored the defense, tallying six digs across the match.

Canali led Widener with a total of six blocks, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Bottino was the leading scorer, amassing 16.0 points over three games, including 15 kills on 28 attempts. Kramer demonstrated efficiency with a hitting percentage of .438, achieving eight kills on 16 attempts and adding two service aces. First-year Mary Carter excelled in setting plays, providing 15 assists and maintaining a perfect hitting percentage from her single attack attempt.
 
Cedar Crest (0-3 overall) resumes the Knights Invitational when they take on host Neumann University on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a matchup with Rowan University at noon.  Widener (1-4 overall) will face Ursinus College at 10:00 a.m. and DeSales University at noon on Saturday.