The Lehman College women's volleyball team (8-6 Overall, 3-2 CUNYAC) dropped a non-conference match, falling to the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights by scores of 21-25, 19-25, and 9-25 Thursday evening at the John H. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. New Jersey City University extended their winning streak over Lehman to seven with the win.
Leading the way for the Gothic Knights was Sarah Torres, as she tallied 12 kills and only two errors in 20 attempts to hit .500, while adding one solo block. Alex Johanesen also put forth an outstanding effort with 27 assists, five of New Jersey City University's 11 aces, and three kills. Jacqueline LeBlanc added seven kills and 11 digs, and Jennifer Hatch recorded six kills and two digs.
The opening set stayed relatively close and featured 11 ties and five lead changes. Lehman hit -.179 in the game, but NJCU only hit .028. Both squads raised their hitting percentages in the set two—with NJCU hitting .292 (12-5-24) and Lehman at .176. NJCU, which reached double figures in kills in every game, rolled in the third set, hitting .375 as a team (10-1-24). The Knights vaulted out to a 9-2 lead and never looked back.
Despite the loss for the Lightning, sophomore outside hitter Jillian Acevedo contributed nicely with 10 digs. In addition, freshman setter Lisa Jadeo put forth another fine effort as she dished 13 assists, and Gerri-Ann Martin, who has played lights-out this season, had seven of the team's 15 kills. Following the loss, Head Coach Daniel Skilins gave his thoughts.
“I think we did a good job of coming ready to play, especially in the first two sets,” Skilins said. “That is a much disciplined, very feisty team on that side, and I felt that our energy was once again a positive. Jillian played well, as did Lisa, and Gerri-Ann kept us at bay for a while too. There are many positives that we can reflect on in this one. We'll try to bounce back Saturday when we'll have two opportunities to do so.”
The Lightning return to the court Monday morning for the first game of a multi-match, as Lehman battles the SUNYIT Wildcats at the APEX Center, with match-time scheduled for 11:00am. SUNYIT and Kean University will lock horns at 1:00pm, and then Lehman and Kean University close out the day with a 3:00pm tussle.
