The Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s volleyball team (2-29, 0-18 MAAC) lost 3-1 against the Niagara Purple Eagles (12-15, 9-8 MAAC) on senior day. Bobcats’ seniors Brittanie Robinson, Tanner Celestin, and Tierra Allen were honored before the game with their families for their four years of excellence on and off the court.
The Bobcats have struggled all season, losing 18 consecutive matches. The Bobcats have not been able to get it together and play as a team. Their matchup against the Purple Eagles was no different.
In the first set, both teams battled mishits and miscommunication as they went back and forth early in the set. The Purple Eagles were able to quickly work the kinks out of their game and build a 10-5 lead over the Bobcats behind powerful serving by freshman setter Alexis Gray and several consecutive mistakes by the Bobcats.
The Bobcats were able to stay in the set with several floaters from freshman Cheyenne Orsi, as well as some misplaced balls by the Purple Eagles. Midway through the set, the Bobcats only trailed by two.
The Bobcats continued to battle as Niagara struggled to hold onto their lead. Niagara was forced to take a timeout when Allen blasted a kill into the right corner to cut Niagara’s lead to 24-23. Coming out of the timeout, Purple Eagles’ Alex Stone placed her shot perfectly, finishing off the Bobcats 25-23.
In the second set, both teams went back and forth for the first 10 points of the set. The Bobcats were then able to take a 7-5 lead over the Purple Eagles. Strong play by middle hitter, sophomore Allison Leigh was key in their strong opening to the second set.
As the set progressed, the Bobcats were able to take advantage of the Purple Eagles’ mistakes and build a four point lead. Trailing 13-9, the Purple Eagles took four of the next five points to knot the set up at 14. The lead continued to grow as Niagara won the second set 25-18.
Trailing two sets to none is all too familiar for the Bobcats this season. Of their 29 losses, they have trailed 2-0 entering the third set in 22 of them.
The Bobcats once again were in dire need of a spark. This time, they able to find that spark late in the set.
The early lead quickly got out of hand as the Purple Eagles built a 12-6 lead forcing a timeout by the Bobcats. Coming out of the timeout, the Bobcats looked to get back to their first set form, but Niagara was able to build their lead to 18-10.
The Bobcats then took five straight points to cut the lead to 18-15, forcing a timeout by the Purple Eagles. Following their timeout, the Bobcats continued their run and tied the set at 22.
The Bobcats used their momentum to win the third set 26-24.
In the fourth set, both teams continued to go back and forth. Midway through the set, it was all tied up at 11, however the Purple Eagles were able to put together four consecutive points to open up a small lead.
The Bobcats fought hard to stay in the game, but the Purple Eagles were able to hang onto their lead and win the fourth and final set 25-19.
Amanda Sedore led all players with 17 kills for the Purple Eagles, while Gray posted a game high, 45 assists.
Celestine finished off her Quinnipiac career by leading the team with 16 kills.
With the loss, the Bobcats finish their 2014 season with a record of 2-29 and 0-18 in the MAAC. The team will head to Kissimmee, Florida to take on Canisius in the first round of the MAAC Tournament.
