Shepherd University Athletics

SHEPHERD VOLLEYBALL DROPS PAIR AT MERCYHURST TOURNAMENT

ERIE, Pa. -- The Shepherd University volleyball team dropped a pair of matches in opening day action of the Mercyhurst University Tournament on Friday. Host Mercyhurst (5-0) edged the Rams in a 27-30, 30-18, 30-15, 24-30, 15-12 decision, while Indiana (Pa.) earned a 30-17, 30-19, 30-23 win over the Rams.

Junior outside hitter Taylor Darnley (Yorktown, VA/Grafton HS) led the Rams against Mercyhurst with 14 kills and 18 digs. Junior outside hitter Susanna Hill (Clear Spring, MD/Grace Academy) added eight kills and 18 digs, while freshman middle blocker/outside hitter Kori Ford (Fredericksburg, VA/Chancellor HS) had eight kills and four blocks. Sophomore setter Kristy Cramer (Fayetteville, PA/Chambersburg Area Senior HS) contributed 25 assists, while junior defensive specialist Lindsey Smith (Romney, WV/Hampshire HS) added a team-high 22 digs.

"Mercyhurst was a great match," noted head coach Sarah Smith. "We lost Beth (Schaible) to an injury in the third game and came back to win the fourth. We made a few mistakes in the fifth game, but I thought we had them."

Darnley had 12 kills and Ford added nine for the Rams against IUP (5-0). Hill added 14 digs, while Cramer recorded 27 assists and a pair of aces.

The Rams (1-5) return to action on Saturday for final day action of the Mercyhurst Tournament. The Rams are slated to face Gannon at 10:00 a.m. and Bowie State at noon.