By Madeline Dorobiala
Staff Writer
The Franciscan University women’s volleyball team fell 3-1 against Grove City Wolverines Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
The Barons made a series of kills complimented by a 6-2 lead. Junior outside hitter Gabrielle Disselkamp made a kill that broke through the Wolverines defense, extending the lead to 9-4.
The Barons were intentional with their plays, and freshman outside hitter Ava King made a kill.
Senior libero Sara Moore set up sophomore outside hitter Angela Sweeney who made another kill. The Barons continued to lead 12-6.
The Barons and Wolverines battled back and forth for offensive possession with the Barons staying on top throughout.
The Barons woke up when sophomore setter Mary Smart set up graduate student outside hitter Mary Jean Cadman for a spike. The Barons created an 18-16 gap with the Wolverines.
With the score tied at 18, Cadman shut down the Wolverines offensive lead with a kill and the Barons eventually won the first set 24-22.
In the start of the second set, freshman defensive specialist Kaitlan Hickey was quick to defend the Barons court in response to the Wolverines offense.
The Barons continued to hold a strong wall of defense until the Wolverines broke through, catching up the Barons 3-6.
In the middle of the second set, graduate student setter Grace Wallace set up Sweeney for a kill allowing the Barons to catch up 16-20.
The Barons persevered with their attack on the Wolverines. Disselkamp made a kill that snuck past the Wolverines’ defense. The valiant effort wasn’t enough, and the Barons lost the second set 21-25.
The Barons battled with the Wolverines but lost the volley in the middle of the third set. Their defense was tested as the Wolverines took the lead, allowing the Barons limited time on offense. They gained points through the Wolverines’ attack errors 11-23.
The Barons lost the third set 12-25.
The Barons started off the fourth set with new feet on the court. Wallace set up a couple of her teammates allowing the Barons to take a scoring lead.
Like the second set the Barons and Wolverines battled back and forth for offensive dominance. With a service error from the Wolverines, the Barons tied 5-5.
After a series of kills in the middle of the fourth set, the Barons were in the lead 20-17.
The Barons were in control of their game and were quick to respond when the Wolverines would lead by a point.
Despite an attempt to tighten their defense the Barons lost the set 28-26.
“We have a great offense, but we believe that defense wins championships, and we strongly rely on our gritty defense, especially in match ups against teams like Grove City,” said head coach Jennifer Hickey prior to the game.
The Barons’ next home game is Saturday Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. against Saint Vincent.