Lehigh University
Bucknell
Lehigh drops close one to Bucknell in home finale
11/1/2003 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh (15-12, 6-5) led Bucknell (13-9, 9-1) in every game Saturday night, but were unable to finish them off and dropped a very close Patriot League contest 3-0. The Bisons trailed 20-16 in each game, but late rallies finished off the Mountain Hawks. The match was the home finale for Lehigh, and spoiled the festivities for Senior Night for Lehigh’s three departing seniors. After taking the first game 30-26, Bucknell was able to rally from 19-10 to take the second game 33-31. Lehigh actually served for the game at 29-27, but Bucknell came back and got a crucial service ace to win the game. They then won the third game in a close 30-28 score. Leading the way for the Mountain Hawks on the night was senior Jeannette Singleton, who moved within 6 kills of overtaking second place on the all-time kills chart at Lehigh. Singleton finished the night with 14 kills and 16 digs. Senior Jill Kober also played well in her last home match, coming up with 16 digs of her own. Freshman Michelle Schwendenmann was the only other Mountain Hawk player in double figures, putting up 13 kills. For Bucknell, Jackie Leahy led the way with a match-high 18 kills, and identical twins Brandi and Breann Trapasso had 15 and 10 digs, respectively. Head coach Patrick Nicholas blamed the loss on conservative play. “We got the lead, but then we started playing not to lose,” said Nicholas. “We have to learn to play to win. We have the talent to play with teams like Bucknell, but we have to learn to finish. If we step up mentally, and believe in ourselves, then we’re going to be ok. But tonight we didn’t play aggressive, and it cost us.” Lehigh finishes the season 8-4 at home, but only 1-3 in the newly remodeled Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall. The Mountain Hawks continue their season on Friday as they travel to Holy Cross to take on the Crusaders. Game time is set for
