SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - West Chester University volleyball held its own in a 3-1 loss against Shippensburg University, a team with an 18-4 overall record and 10-1 record in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
The Golden Rams drop to 14-10 overall and 2-9 in conference matches with Friday's loss that had set scores of 17-25, 25-22, 20-25 and 17-25.
How it happened:
- West Chester kept pace early in the first set by taking a 6-5 lead on a kill from sophomore Grace Whitney (Glenside, Pa. / Abington) that was assisted by freshman Jillian Borgerding (Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Highlands Ranch). However, the Raiders scored 11 of the next 14 points en route to a set win.
- WCU was losing the second set 6-3 but came back, and a service ace from graduate student Shaye Whiteman (Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg) made the score 13-10. The Golden Rams fell behind 15-14, took an 18-15 lead and again gave up the lead to trail 19-18. They'd close out the set with a 7-4 run and won on a block assist from senior Rachel Robb (Blackwood, N.J. / Paul VI) and sophomore Olivia Rudjord (Fogelsville, Pa. / Allentown Central Catholic).
- The Golden Rams kept the third set close for the most part, but the fourth set was a bit lopsided from the start.
Inside the numbers:
- Rudjord recorded five total blocks, six digs and six kills in the match.
- Whiteman had a match-high 25 digs. She's reached at least 25 digs in a match four times this season.
- Borgerding led West Chester with 20 assists, and sophomore Julia Vreeswyk (Yardley, Pa. / Pennsbury) led with nine kills.
Up next:
West Chester has a quick turnaround with a match at Shepherd University on Saturday at 1 p.m.
