photo by Christopher Squier
Freshman Defensive specialist Tabea Dalliard shouts to Sophomore Shiloh Simonson during Tuesdays match against Pitt-Johnstown in the Student Center. Point Park defeated Pitt-Johnstown 3-2.
The Point Park volleyball team experienced ups and downs posting a 2-3 record this past week to carry a 23-13 record into its final regular season home matches.
Point Park won its first match Tuesday against the University of Pitt-Johnstown in five sets.
“We lacked communication in the second, third and fourth sets,” outside hitter Shiloh Simonson said. “[Pitt-Johnstown] had more communication and desire than we did.”
Point Park would win the fifth game after a block on Pitt-Johnstown which, according to Simonson, brought down the team’s self-esteem.
The team then traveled to Fort Wayne, Ind. for the Liz Lykowski Tournament. On the first day of competition, Point Park went 0-2, losing 3-2 to St. Francis University (Ind.) 3-2 and tournament host Indiana Tech 3-1. During the first match, both Simonson and Ashley Taylor were injured and both missed the second match.
On day two, the Pioneers split matches losing 3-2 to St. Catharine College but defeating Kentucky Christian University 3-0.
Simonson returned against St. Catherine and set a career high with 21 kills while outside hitter Kristi Chenarides also set a career high with 19 kills.
Point Park avoided a 0-4 weekend with a 3-0 win against Kentucky Christian.
Setter Emily Meng was named to the all-tournament team and had 147 assists during the four matches.
Point Park will next host conference opponent Asbury University and Glenville State College.
“We knew from the start of the season that this match would be the most important game of the year,” middle/right side hitter Nikki Inquartano said. “This is the first time we’re playing them since losing in the tournament last year and now will determine who gets the conference title. We’ve been working for this game since August 11 and I know we will give nothing but our best. I’ve never been on a team that is so determined to win a match, it’s beyond exciting.”
