For immediate release – 10/15/2016 - #086
Randolph Falls in Tri-Match

LEXINGTON, VA – The Randolph College volleyball team played a tri-match at Washington and Lee University on Saturday, with the University of Dallas being the other team involved.  The WildCats fell in straight-sets to W&L 13-25, 16-25, and 16-25, while dropping the match to UD 12-25, 13-25, and 14-25.

The Generals opened up the first set with a big lead, despite kills from Autumn Troxell and Shelby Bergum.  The teams then traded points, as Troxell, Olivia Pullin, and Rebecca Lesnak all recorded kills.  The hosts then went on a small run to extend the lead further, but Randolph responded with three of their own to mount a small comeback.  However, the Generals closed out the set with a final burst.

Randolph got things going early on in the second, getting an early two-point advantage.  Troxell served two aces and recorded a kill, while Brooks Gillerlain also had an ace.  Finally Lesnak added a kill to keep the narrow lead.  W&L came back and took the lead, but the 'Cats answered right away to recapture the lead.  It was all down to the defense, as Pullin and Gillerlain combined for a block, which was followed by a solo block from Troxell.  But, just like in the first, the hosts used a large run to take the lead and seal the set.

The third started the same way as the second, just with the WildCats getting a larger lead.  A six-point run helped the 'Cats get a four-point advantage.  Lesnak started it with a kill, Kennedy Webb served an ace, and Mariona and Bergum combined for a block.  Washington and Lee used a burst to go up two, but Randolph responded.  Troxell had two kills during four-straight points to help take the lead back.  But, the Generals used another late run to take the game and the match.

In the second contest, Dallas started the match off with a large run, taking a commanding lead.  Troxell had a pair of kills to break up the Crusaders run.  Gillerlain, Bergum, and Margaret VanBeek helped the WildCats with late points, but it would not be enough in the first.

Points were traded early on in the second, as Dallas established a small lead.  Troxell and Taylor Webb both finished off sets during this period.  However, UD went on a run to build the advantage, but it was answered right away.  Bergum and Lesnak both had kills, and Lauren Morgan served up an ace.  While the run was effective, the Crusaders ended it with one of their own, which propelled them to claim the set.  Dallas continued the run at the start of the third, developing a lead.  Randolph made a late push to get back into it, but UD closed out the match.

Gillerlain posted 27 assists on the day, while adding 19 total digs.  Kennedy Webb dug out 12 attacks in the second match of the day.

Randolph (3-19 overall, 1-8 ODAC) will return home after this busy weekend.  The WildCats host Eastern Mennonite University (9-15, 2-7) in a key conference match on Thursday night.  Action begins at 7 p.m.

###