Lehigh Falls To Valparaiso In Steel Classic Finale

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh volleyball wrapped up play from the Steel Classic at Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall on Saturday afternoon against the Valparaiso Beacons. The Mountain Hawks earned an opening-set win but fell 3-1 to the Beacons.

Set one was very competitive between Lehigh (6-3) and Valpo (7-3), as neither team led by more than four points. Both teams were held to under a .115 hitting percentage in the frame and the score was within one at 23-22 Lehigh in the closing moments. Two Valpo errors secured Lehigh’s 25-22 set one victory.

The Beacons defense was on full display in the second set, holding the Mountain Hawks to a -.105 hitting percentage. Lehigh managed to pull with four at 19-15, but Valpo closed out the set on a 6-0 run to tie the match. The Beacons continued to shine in set three, riding a .394 hitting percentage to another 25-15 set victory. Lehigh kept pace with the Valpo in set four, eventually cutting their deficit to one at 19-18. However, the Beacons were once again able to close out the set 25-20 and defeat the Mountain Hawks in four.

Junior Jaidyn Garcia led the Mountain Hawks offensively with 11 kills on a .258 hitting percentage. Junior Ufuoma Omene also reached double-digits with ten kills. Sophomore Sophia Bond paced Lehigh defensively with 18 digs while junior Abby Felkai provided a team-high 21 assists.

The Mountain Hawks went 2-1 overall on the weekend, defeating both Sacred Heart and NJIT on Friday.

Lehigh opens Patriot League play on the road on Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m. against Bucknell.

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