MARK BOREK
STAFF WRITER
After winning both games of their annual AMCC Quad, the Lady Barons entered Monday night’s matchup against non-conference opponent Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets on a two-game win streak.
However, there was a noticeable absence on the court. Junior outside hitter Maria Ciola was sidelined for the game. This absence was evident early on as the Barons lacked their customary cohesiveness. Baldwin Wallace took a 6-2 lead in the first set after an FUS spike attempt was blocked low at the net.
Sophomore Meghan Bayer and senior team captain Monica Rigaud provided some great plays at the net to help the Lady Barons back into the game. After narrowing the Baldwin Wallace lead to just 5 (13-18) in the first set, the Yellow Jackets went on a 7-0 run to take the set 25-13.
The Lady Barons came out hot in the second set, seizing momentum and the lead after three quick kills by Bayer. The hot start didn’t last long, and the Yellow Jackets controlled the set from there on out, winning by a score of 25-14.
The third set was more of the same. The Lady Barons jumped out to a 4-1 lead courtesy of some solid, cohesive team play. From there, Baldwin Wallace went on a 15-2 run and never looked back, taking the set by a score of 25-10.
A major theme in this game was Lady Barons’ struggle to contain the avalanche that was the Baldwin Wallace scoring runs. Despite the loss, things are looking up for the Lady Barons, especially when they return to full strength. The record of the team does not accurately depict the squad’s strength and versatility. The Lady Barons look to bounce back against conference foe Washington and Jefferson at home on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.