Brandywine Drops Straight-Set Decision To Albright

READING, Pa. – The Penn State Brandywine volleyball team was knocked off in straight sets by Albright Monday night, falling by set scores of 13-25, 23-25, 19-25.

The Lions got out to a slow start as Albright scored 13 of the night's first 17 points and Albright rolled to a 1-0 lead by claiming the first set 25-13.

Brandywine trailed by as many as six points during the second frame, but battled back, netting four-straight points, thanks to an ace from Lara Zima (Hollywood, Fla./Westminster Academy), a kill by Morgan Rizer (Denton, Md./North Caroline) and two Albright errors. The Lions climbed within one point on two occasions before back-to-back errors by the hosts tied the count at 22-all; however, Albright netted three of the final four points to win the set.

Brandywine held a 19-18 edge following consecutive kills from Emmalin Molinaro (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) and Hailey Piccirillo (Broadlands, Va./Virginia Academy), but Albright rallied to score the night's final seven points, completing the sweep.

Piccirillo led the Lions with six kills, while Rizer and Emma O'Reilly (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) both tallied four. Zima handed out 10 assists and registered a team-best three aces.

Zima also paced the Lions with 11 digs, while O'Reilly added nine and Nia Moore (Gainesville, Va./Patriot) posted three blocks.

Brandywine (3-4) is back at home Wednesday to host Gwynedd Mercy at 7:00 PM.