The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg volleyball team showed improvement as Thursday evening's nonconference match progressed, putting together its strongest offensive set of the night in a 3-0 setback to Saint Francis University at DeGol Arena. The Bobcats fell by scores of 25-20, 25-12 and 25-22.
Pitt-Greensburg moves to 4-11 overall following the match.
Jackie Shields led the Bobcats offensively with a team-high four kills while adding five digs. Mia Stohon contributed three kills on eight attempts, hitting .250, while Abigail Smulik guided the offense with 14 assists and a match-high four service aces.
The Bobcats kept things competitive in the opening set, battling Saint Francis before falling 25-20. Pitt-Greensburg struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the second set, allowing the Red Flash to take a two-set advantage with a 25-12 victory.
Despite trailing 2-0, Pitt-Greensburg continued to battle and turned in its best offensive showing of the match in the third set. The Bobcats nearly doubled their kill total from the first two sets combined, recording nine kills while hitting an impressive .222 in the frame. The tightly contested set featured 10 ties and five lead changes as Pitt-Greensburg pushed Saint Francis throughout the closing stages. The Red Foxes ultimately edged the Bobcats, 25-22, to secure the match.
The Bobcats also received contributions throughout their lineup. Ca'Mari Walden made the most of her opportunity, registering two kills on three attempts for a .667 hitting percentage. Lauren Fajbik, Paige Phillips and Damia Sibblies each added two kills, while Stohon also contributed a service ace.
On the defensive side, Ainsley Martin and McKenna Pore anchored the back row with eight digs apiece. Shields and Emily Hernandez each collected five digs as Pitt-Greensburg finished with 36 as a team.
The Bobcats totaled 16 kills, 16 assists and six service aces on the evening, with their improved offensive efficiency in the final set providing a positive takeaway heading into the weekend.
Pitt-Greensburg will look to build on its third-set performance when the Bobcats return home Saturday to host a tri-match against Carlow University and Christendom College.
