Lehigh University
Bucknell
Lehigh sweeps Bucknell in a key PL match
11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In her second to last home match as a Mountain Hawk senior Mo McReynolds did not disappoint as she helped Lehigh earn a 3-0 win over Bucknell on Friday night. With the score at 22-21 in the third set, McReynolds stepped to the service line and the team rattled off three straight points to close out the match. Lehigh now sits at 6-5 in the Patriot League and it is back to .500 overall with a 13-13 record.
“It was great to come out and get the win on our home court,” head coach Jenny Maurer said. “We got contributions from several different players and everything really came together.”
In front of an enthusiastic crowd at Leeman-Turner Arena the Bison were able to get out to an 11-7 lead in the first set, but the Mountain Hawks were able to rally and climb back into it. With the score tied late at 19-19 Lehigh went ahead 21-19 and that was all it needed to close out the set 25-21.
Both teams came out strong in the second set, but with the scored tied 16-16 the Mountain Hawks were able to take control and win the set 25-21.
Lehigh, with all of the momentum in the third set jumped out to a 9-2 lead, but Bucknell fought back to take a 17-15 lead. The Mountain Hawks were able to answer as McReynolds closed out the set and the match 25-21.
McReynolds finished the match with 10 kills and six digs. Maurer had this to say on her performance, “She had a very complete match. Mo was very effective at getting them out of their system and she was excellent in the passing game. She was a very reliable player for us tonight.”
Two other Mountain Hawks finished with double-digit kills as freshman Taylor Poole had a career-high with 10 and sophomore Angelika Kopacz also finished with 10. Her classmate Emma Melendez contributed 22 digs to back a strong Lehigh defense.
The Mountain Hawks had a very balanced attack and several players were able to contribute in the victory.
“It’s not a matter of someone stepping up, it’s who is going to do it, Maurer said. “Our setters did a great job of finding who was hot and we were able to capitalize.”
The win was Lehigh’s first over Bucknell since the 2002 season and after suffering a 3-0 loss to the Bison earlier in the season it is clear that the team is progressing.
“I think the team really grasped the concept that it’s a process,” Maurer said. “It started last season and it continued through the summer and into this year. It’s about being selfless and we know we’re close to our goals and that’s when you have to step up.”
The Mountain Hawks know they have to keep the momentum going and come out strong tomorrow against Colgate.
“It’s our Senior Day and all the girls want to go out and play for Mo,” Maurer said. “We didn’t play our best last time out against them and we know we can play better. This is our time to put it all together.”
The action will get underway at 4 p.m. tomorrow as Lehigh will host the Raiders in its final home match of the season.
Lehigh - Bucknell Highlights!
