MEMPHIS, Tenn. ? The Stetson volleyball squad dropped its first of two matches at the Tiger Invitational on Saturday to Arkansas State, 3-0 (30-28, 30-16, 30-26).
“We played flat and tired,” said head coach Cheryl Carlson. “We've had a bunch of players sick and it finally caught up with us.”
The Hatters blocked well picking up 16 block assists and one solo block, but did not hit well with a .049 attack percentage. Rebecca Orzechowicz and Laura Boyd each recorded five block assists, and middle blocker Gina Iacona assisted on three blocks while notching the lone solo block.
Arkansas State started the contest strong out-hitting Stetson (5-7), .134 to .081, in game one. With the Indians (4-7) leading 27-24, the Hatters ran off the next four points with the last two coming courtesy of a pair of kills from Orzechowicz. The lead would be brief as ASU rallied to take the final three points and claim an early 1-0 advantage.
In the second game, Arkansas State took advantage of Stetson's 11 attack errors and three service errors in cruising to a commanding 2-0 lead. After ASU jumped out to a 15-7 advantage, Stetson never got closer than five as the Indians hit well again registering a .250 attack percentage.
Stetson fought hard in the final game, but was not able to overcome ASU. The Indians led handily throughout the majority of the set until the Hatters closed to within one at 25-24. Arkansas State scored the next three points and finished the victory with a kill Robin Aaron. Aaron garnered a match-high 21 kills.
“We tried to battle, but just couldn't get over the hump,” added Carlson.
The Hatters were led by the effort of Rachel Miller. The senior led all players with 23 digs and fellow senior Beth Slabaugh led the squad with 12 kills. Orzechowicz was solid once again tallying seven kills and 14 digs while Karla Readshaw directed the offense with 25 assists.
Arkansas State also received a stellar contribution from Katie Peil. The senior setter notched a double-double with 46 assists and 18 digs.
Stetson will return to action later today when they take on UAB at 5:30 p.m.
