WORCESTER, Mass. – The Holy Cross volleyball team fell by a 3-1 score to Patriot League opponent Bucknell Saturday in Coach George Blaney '61 Gymnasium.

The defeat was the 15th of the season for the Crusaders and they are still looking for their first Patriot League win. Bucknell moves to .500 at 9-9 and 5-4 in conference action.

SET SCORES:

• Bison 3, Crusaders 1 (14-25, 25-21, 15-25, 16-25)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A Bison solo block in the middle of the net made it 4-1 early. Senior Sanaea Simmons powered an attack attempt through the block to pull with Crusaders within four, 9-5. Bucknell scored four straight to open up a 13-5 edge. The Bison led 18-10 as Holy Cross took their final timeout of the set. Bucknell won the first set 25-14.
• Holy Cross started fast in the second set as senior Halle Carter and Simmons teamed up for a block on the right pin for the 6-2 margin. Five straight by the Bison gave them their first lead at 7-6. Holding a one point lead, sophomore Rachel Johnson produced a kill down the line and back-to-back aces to open up a four point margin, 14-10. A 5-1 Crusader stretch getting kills from Lane and Carter moved them ahead by five, 22-16. Sophomore Gracie Reisman ended the set mashing an attack attempt for the 25-21 Holy Cross win.
• Johnson put the Crusaders up 2-1 early in the third set. Carter skipped a set to level the score at 5-5. Bucknell poured in six straight points to jump ahead 11-5. A service ace increased the guests lead to 15-8 as the Crusaders used their last timeout. The Crusaders remained down seven until Bucknell closed out the set for the 2-1 match lead.
• The Bison rolled to an 8-1 margin in the fourth set. Midway through the set they led 16-7. A Reisman kill put the home team down 20-13. Bucknell took the contest by a 3-1 score.

INSIDE THE BOX:

• Freshman libero Haley Gill established a new career-high with a contest-best 19 digs.
• Carter double-doubled for the 26th time in her career and 19th time as a member of the Crusaders with a team-best 24 assists and 10 digs.
• Johnson paced all players with three aces.

UP NEXT:

• Holy Cross will host a Deaf* Awareness Game on Friday, Oct. 20 against Lehigh.
• First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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