WORCESTER, Mass. – The Holy Cross volleyball team started Patriot League action Friday evening with their home opener, 3-0 defeat to Navy in the Coach George Blaney '61 Gymnasium.
The loss sends the Crusaders to 2-10, 0-1 PL while the Midshipmen improve to 4-6, 1-0 PL.
 
SET SCORES:

• Midshipmen 3, Crusaders 0 (19-25, 17-25, 20-25)

 HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Holy Cross took an early 1-0 lead in the opening set following a Navy attack error. Freshman Katie Russell set up sophomore Abbie Lane for the attempt down the line for the kill which leveled the set 6-6. Five straight Navy points increased their lead to 11-6. A 6-2 Crusader spurt pulled them within two, 13-12 with junior Sanaea Simmons powering a free ball kill from the middle. Navy reestablished the multiple score lead and led by five late before cashing in on a first set win.
• Back-to-back Lane aces moved the Crusaders ahead 5-1 in the second set. Navy slowly clawed back with a 16-5 scoring binge to lead 17-10. Holy Cross added some points late thanks to a sophomore Mia Hofacker kill however Navy took the 2-0 match lead.
• A Mids blocking miscue deadlocked the set at 5-5. They responded going on a 6-2 mini-run to force the Crusaders into a timeout. The margin increased to nine, 19-10 after a Crusader attack error. At set point, 24-14, the Crusaders notched six straight with freshman Rachel Johnson tallying two kills and blocking Doris Nelson on the right pin. Averi Miller iced the game for Navy.

INSIDE THE BOX:

• Senior Halle Carter recorded six digs and needs only 15 more for 500 in her collegiate career.
• Carter was a perfect 3-for-3 on attack attempts for a 1.000 hitting percentage.
• Russell led the Crusaders with 12 assists.
• Navy's Jordan Llewellyn was one dig shy of a double-double (11 kills, nine digs).

UP NEXT:

• Holy Cross will wrap up their weekend with a homecoming contest tomorrow, Saturday, September 17 against Loyola (Md.) at 4:00 p.m.

 
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