Greater Allegheny Women's Volleyball Battles Chatham Through First Contest

McKeesport, Pa. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny women's volleyball team went back-and-forth with Chatham through three sets of action, Wednesday night, where Greater Allegheny dropped their first contest of the 2015-16 season 3-0 to Chatham.

In set one, Chatham jumped out to a quick lead as Greater Allegheny slowly bridged the gap. With kill contribution from sophomore middle hitter Laura Vazquez (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Cupey Maria Montessori), Greater Allegheny managed to bring the first set to a 21-17 deficit. Chatham unfortunately went on a run and ended the first set, 25-18.

Greater Allegheny began set two by a 4-0 mark with assistance from sophomore libero Tori Johnston (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin). Chatham managed to get back on the board and keep it close with the home team. The game continued to go back-and-forth before Chatham took the 17-14 stare down to a 25-15 victory through set two.

Laura and Tori placed kills from freshman outside hitter Courtney Ware and junior defensive specialist Jasmine Holtz through set three. Johnston managed to mark her first service ace amidst all the action. Despite a 25-15 third set final score, Greater Allegheny stayed close with Chatham.

The visiting team went home with the 3-0 victory, dropping Greater Allegheny to their first loss of the season.

Vazquez ended the night with eight kills and seven digs with one service error. Johnston posted six kills with eleven digs, one assist and one service ace. Freshman setter Courtney Shadd put up ten assists and four digs to get her first match with the Lady Lions.

Greater Allegheny (0-1) is set to go on the road, Friday, for their first Penn State University Athletic Conference match-up of the season. Penn State New Kensington welcomes GA to the home gym for a 7 p.m. tip-off.