Philadelphia, PA - (10/5/10) – Chestnut Hill College took a short trip to Philadelphia University for this evening's Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) women's volleyball match. The Griffins played well in both the first and third sets, but the Lady Rams protected their home court with a 3-0 win (25-21, 25-15, 25-19).
Philadelphia University (9-4, 7-1) separated from Chestnut Hill College (3-15, 1-7) in the first game at 8-8. Freshman outside hitter Leanna Lillge (Ixonia, WI) helped the Lady Rams to a brief 15-11 advantage before, sophomore right side Madelynn Ries (Antananarvio, Madagascar) and sophomore middle hitter Cassie Benson (Rosamond, CA) helped the Griffins narrow the margin to one, 20-19. Unfortunately the Griffins could not overtake the Lady Rams, who eventually claimed the opening set 25-21. The Lady Rams used their momentum win in the second set by a 25-15 final, as the Griffins focused on the third set. Play was close early, 9-9, but Lillge awoke for a six-kill set, powering the Lady Rams to a 25-19 win.
Lillge was supported by senior setter Lauren Hoover (New Baltimore, MI) and sophomore outside hitter Danielle Carney (Thousand Oaks, CA). Hoover supplied 15 assists while Carney matched Lillge with 11 kills. Carney also made 11 digs. Lillge finished the match with 11 kills and 21 digs.
Ries led the Griffins with eight kills. Benson and freshman middle hitter Mary Markowski (Parkton, MD) pitched in with seven kills and five kills, respectively; while also teaming for five blocks on defense. Sophomore setter Courtney Gallo (Wilmington, DE) played well in all phases of the match, totaling two kills, 17 assists, ten digs, and the Griffins only ace. Sophomore defensive specialist Bobbie Chukuntarod (San Francisco, CA) and sophomore libero Elisabeth DiGregorio (Conshohocken, PA) anchored the Griffins defensive effort with ten digs and 25 digs, respectively.
The women's volleyball team plays on back-to-back nights, as they host Lincoln University in a 7:00 p.m. match tomorrow, Wednesday, October 6.
