The Rams had an up and down time on the volleyball court this past week. After beating West Virginia State in come-from-behind fashion inside the Butcher Center on Friday night, they struggled mightily the next day inside the same venue against Charleston.
Shepherd defeated West Virginia State by a score of 24–26, 25–11, 25–15 and 25–22. There is nothing quite like a comeback win to get the crowd into an event, especially considering the second and third sets were big wins but the set that won the match was much more tightly contested. To say the least, it got loud inside the Butcher Center on Friday night.
Bay Shore, N.Y. native Melaini Lewis had another big night for the Rams, posting an impressive stat line of eleven kills, nine digs and five blocks. Kayla Walker of Palmyra, Va. added nine kills, six blocks and three aces on serves. Senior Meg Kenny had seven kills and nine blocks while freshman Lauren Summa of Delaware recorded a team-high 23 digs on the evening. Smithsburg, Md. native Taylor Belella added 22 assists and seven digs on the evening. The next day, coach Sarah Smith seemed very excited and animated the next morning. However, her temperament was probably curtailed after her match later that day.
Charleston handled Shepherd in straight sets Saturday afternoon, winning 25–21, 27–25, 25–23. All in all it was a tightly contested affair, with Charleston always being able to pull out the set. Shepherd will look back at this match as being a missed opportunity.
Meg Kenny added 11 kills, six blocks and two digs to the Ram effort Saturday, while Kayla Walker added two kills and two service aces and Taylor Belella recorded 18 assists to go along with one service ace. Lauren Summa had a team-high 13 digs on the day. It was not the best day for the Lady Rams that is for sure.
The Rams will fall to 10–9 overall, but are still a solid 6–3 in conference action. The loss will see the Lady Rams stay in fourth place in the Mountain East Conference, but they need to a victory over IUP to keep their overall record above .500. A win away at Glenville is even more important, as Concord is clipping at their heels in fifth place. Shepherd has already helped themselves in that regard, however, as they beat Concord back during the end of September.
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