BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville (0-1, 0-0 ECC) fell to Lock Haven University (1-0, 0-0 PSAC) in a 3-1 match at Saints Center Gym on Thursday evening, with set scores of 20-25, 25-17, 22-25, and 19-25. Despite the loss, the Saints recorded 10 total blocks, showcasing their defensive efforts throughout the match.
D'Youville opened the first set with a solid start, with
Ashley Ballou (Eden, N.Y. / Eden) securing the initial point through a kill assisted by
Gabrielle Dials (Columbus, OH / Gahanna Lincoln). The team maintained momentum early, capitalizing on a series of errors by Lock Haven, including a block from
Maddie Boglev (Hamburg, N.Y. / St. Mary's) and
Cameron Ulinski (Bretten, Germany / Marjory Stoneman Douglas). Despite the early lead, the Saints faced a strong response from Lock Haven, which led to an intense back-and-forth exchange. Key plays included a kill by
Giselle Ramirez (Miami, FL / School for Advanced Studies) and an ace by Ulinski. However, Lock Haven gradually pulled ahead, aided by service aces and effective attacks. The set ended with Lock Haven ahead, 25-20.
D'Youville established a commanding lead early in the second set, with Ulinski and Ballou contributing key points to put the home team ahead 9-5. Despite several service errors, the Saints maintained momentum, with Ballou and Ramirez executing crucial blocks and kills to extend the lead to 17-11. Lock Haven struggled to close the gap, and D'Youville continued to capitalize on its opponent's errors. Ulinski sealed the set with a decisive kill, ending the frame 25-17 in favor of the Saints.
The Saints initiated the third set with a strong sequence, highlighted by
Madeline O'Brien's (East Amherst, N.Y. / Clarence) impactful kills, contributing to an early 4-1 advantage. The home team kept the momentum with Dials and Ulinski adding crucial points, stretching the lead to 16-10. Despite the solid start, D'Youville faced mounting pressure from Lock Haven, who rallied to overturn the deficit. Lock Haven capitalized on a series of errors and service aces, eventually taking control and securing a 25-22 victory in the set.
The fourth set saw the Saints attempting to rally after an initial setback.
Hailey Ferwerda (Boca Raton, FL / West Boca Raton) delivered two critical kills, helping D'Youville close the gap after trailing early.
Alina Bertens Deckart's (Santiago de Chile, Chile / Colegio Alemán de Santiago) service ace and Ballou's offensive contributions further narrowed the margin, bringing the Saints within striking distance at 14-14. However, Lock Haven responded with a decisive run, regaining control and extending its lead. Despite D'Youville's efforts, including a late kill by Ulinski, Lock Haven secured the set victory with a final score of 25-19, concluding the match.
Ulinski led the team with 10 kills and contributed four service aces, accumulating a total of 15.5 points. Ramirez was a strong presence at the net, recording five total blocks. Ballou facilitated the offense with 17 assists and added seven kills. O'Brien was active defensively, collecting 14 digs and serving one ace.
Up Next
The Saints continue play in day two of the D'Youville Volleyball Tournament tomorrow. D'Youville will face off with Lewis University at 2:00 PM before closing out the day against Kutztown University at 6:00 PM.
