Boone, N.C. - The Citadel Volleyball team struggled to find its rhythm in a match at Southern Conference foe Appalachian State by scores of 13-25, 20-25 and 16-25. Sophomore Cassie Uribe led the Cadets with seven kills while teammate Rachael Farrell topped the defensive unit with 11 digs.
Jessica Maas, who finished with nine digs and six kills, teamed with Farrell (11 digs, five kills) and Uribe to lead the Bulldogs statistically. Senior outside hitter Blaine McAllister posted six digs along with her four kills. The Citadel slips to 5-11 overall and 0-2 in SoCon action.
The Mountaineers (10-4, 1-0 SoCon) were led by match-high performances by Meghann Forshey (10 kills) and Courtney Rhein (13 digs).
The Citadel was unable to generate early offensive rhythm in the third set after Appalachian State again opened with a 10-4 run. The Mountaineers, who had faltered in the third set against Ball State, seemed determined to close the match with a sweep. Behind a run deep in the game, ASU stretched its lead to 18-9 and despite kills by Maas, Uribe and Farrell down the stretch completed the sweep by a score of 25-16.
The Black and Gold carried over their strong play into the second set by mounting a 15-7 advantage. Following their second timeout, The Citadel responded with five of the game's next nine points, making for a 19-11 game, capped off by a kill from Erin Bucherl. Behind McAllister's service game the Dogs forced a pair of attack errors and following a kill by Maas the lead was cut to 20-16. Appalachian State closed the second set with three kills and a pair of errors for the 25-20 final.
Appalachian State grabbed an early 10-4 advantage in the opening set and never looked back. The Mountaineers rattled off seven consecutive points, assuming a 17-5 lead before Maas took advantage of a pass from Alexa Dahlstrom to end the scoring drought. Leading 22-9, four points by The Citadel made for a 10-point ASU advantage, before the match closed with a kill and service ace for the 25-13 Mountaineers win.
The Citadel completes the weekend on Sunday afternoon they head to the University of South Carolina for a 4 p.m. meeting with the Gamecocks.
For more information on Bulldog Volleyball, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
