ASTON, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College volleyball team was defeated twice on Saturday at The Mirenda Center during the Knights Invitational, dropping contests to Neumann University and Rowan University in straight sets.

Match One – Neumann 3, Cedar Crest 0

In the match against the Knights, the Falcons opened the first set with a brief lead, capitalizing on an early attack error by Neumann sophomore Taylor Long (Millersville, Pa.). Senior Ellise Everett's (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) kill kept the Cedar Crest competitive, leveling the score at 2-2. Despite first-year Jasmine Beck's (Allentown, Pa./Building 21) service ace that briefly pushed the Falcons ahead 7-5, the Knights quickly regained control. A series of service aces by sophomore Melissa Eddy (Dover, Del.) and strategic plays from first-year Soleil-La'Jour Staggs (Philadelphia, Pa.) led the Knights to a commanding 25-8 finish in the set.

The second set began with Neumann establishing an early lead, capitalizing on service and attack errors to reach a 5-0 advantage. Cedar Crest responded with first-year Addison Losik (Big Piney, Wyo./Big Piney) and Everett securing key kills, while junior Tianlly Davila (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Governor Thomas Johnson) recorded a service ace to briefly interrupt the Knights' momentum. Despite a late rally led by Everett's three kills and a service ace, the Falcons fell short as Neumann claimed the set 25-17, finishing with a decisive kill from sophomore Julia Solomon (Ridley Park, Pa.).

The third set began with Cedar Crest capitalizing on the Knights' service error, quickly gaining a 3-0 lead thanks to two consecutive service aces by first-year Sophia Curran (Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier). Despite this strong start, Neumann responded with a series of points, including service aces by first-year Kera Kennedy (Ridley Park, Pa.), to take a narrow lead. The Falcons fought back with a series of kills by Everett, Beck, and first-year Kayla Duenkel (Central Square, N.Y./Bishop Grimes), leveling the score multiple times and keeping the set tightly contested. However, despite Cedar Crest's efforts and a late service ace from Beck, the Knights ultimately secured the set 26-24 after a service error and a final attack error by the Falcons.

Everett paced the Falcons with nine kills and contributed one ace, totaling 10 points in the match. Curran excelled defensively, recording 13 digs and adding three service aces to her performance. Davila facilitated the offense with 10 assists and chipped in six digs. Beck bolstered the scoring with five kills and served two aces, finishing with 7.5 points.

Match Two - Rowan 3, Cedar Crest 0

In their next match against Rowan, Cedar Crest took an early lead after a service error by Rowan and a service ace from Curran put them ahead 2-0. However, the Profs responded with a series of five consecutive points, including two service aces by junior Evalyn Vires (Washington, Mich.), creating a 7-3 advantage. The Falcons battled to close the gap, with Beck and Duenkel combining for a block to gain a critical point and stop Rowan's run. Despite these efforts, the Profs consistent scoring efforts, notably from first-year Jessica Smart (Manahawkin, N.J.), propelled them to a 25-10 win in the opening set.

The second set began with a back-and-forth exchange, but Cedar Crest briefly gained momentum with a 3-1 lead, highlighted by Beck's kill and a block by Beck and Everett. Rowan responded with a series of service aces, including a streak of four consecutive aces by sophomore Hutton Cordrey (Gilbertsville, Pa.), to take control of the set. Despite efforts from the Falcons, including a late kill by Everett, the Profs maintained their lead and concluded the set with a decisive 25-11 victory.

The third set saw Rowan take an early lead, scoring the first three points, including a service ace by first-year Raven Albrecht (King of Prussia, Pa.). Cedar Crest managed to narrow the gap to 3-2 with contributions from Curran and a Profs attack error. However, Rowan's momentum surged again with Vires serving three consecutive aces, extending their lead to 14-5. Cedar Crest's Everett and Davila combined for a kill to bring the score to 16-8, but Rowan's offensive pressure proved too strong, closing out the set 25-11. Despite the result, first-year Sahiomy Martes (Allentown, Pa./William Allen) delivered a service ace late in the set.

Everett led the Falcons against Rowan with one ace and added four kills, contributing 5.5 points over three games. Beck recorded a hitting percentage of .375 with three kills and six digs, also participating in three blocks. Davila set up her teammates effectively, tallying six assists and adding five digs in their matches. Duenkel made her presence known at the net, collecting three block assists and scoring a total of 2.5 points.

Smart showcased her offensive talent for Rowan with 12 kills on 19 attempts, resulting in a .474 hitting percentage. Vires excelled at the service line, delivering eight service aces across three games. Cordrey also contributed significantly from the service line, notching four aces while adding five digs. Meanwhile, junior Ciara Bradley (Media, Pa.) was highly efficient in her limited opportunities, achieving a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage with two kills on two attempts.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, Beck was named to the All-Tournament Team. 

Looking ahead, Cedar Crest (0-5 overall) is set to square off against Arcadia University on Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Glenside, Pa.