The Lakeland volleyball team played host to the Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles in a non-league tonight and fell by a score of 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 19-25, 8-25). This was a tightly contested match for the first 3 sets as the teams both used solid defense and strong net play throughout.
The teams met about 2 weeks ago with Kent State taking all 3 sets. The Lakers battled tonight and took the first contest. In the second set, the teams were tight throughout before Lakeland had a miscommunication late that cost the Lakers the set. In the 3rd set, the Lakers had the lead most of the match before committing a couple of errors down the stretch which they were unable to overcome.
Abby Karasek had a team high 11 kills and 22 digs while Sydney Park finished her night with 10 kills, a block, and 20 digs. Zoe Babnik had a team high 48 digs while Taylor Williams-Stevens recorded 9 kills and 6 digs. Isabella Schulz picked up 6 kills and 22 digs while Alyssa Lino finshed with 4 kills and 4 blocks. Samantha Winter recorded a kill, a block, 8 digs, and numerous assists in helping lead the Lakers on the court. Gianna Biondolillo picked up 4 digs while Mikayla Polefko chipped in a kill and a pair of digs in the Lakers loss.
Players of the Match: Taylor Williams-Stevens and Sydney Park
Coach Watt's Word: "We started strong, but were just unable to maintain it tonight. Give credit to the Golden Eagles as they played well. We had our chances - just didn't cash in. We'll keep working and get ready for our next match."
Next Up: The Lakers will next play host to the Lorain County Commodores on Wednesday (10/22). The match starts at 6:00 pm in Laker Gym.
