Mountain Hawks Drop Road Rivalry Match To Lafayette

EASTON, Pa. – The first installment of The Rivalry between Lehigh volleyball and the Lafayette Leopards took place on Saturday evening from the Kirby Sports Center in Easton. The Mountain Hawks were bested in three sets by the Leopards.

Lehigh (6-5, 0-2 PL) got off to a strong start, gaining a six-point lead at 14-8 over Lafayette (3-8, 1-0 PL). The Leopards began to crawl back, eventually riding a 5-0 run to tie the match at 16 and then take a 19-16 lead. The Mountain Hawks managed to tie the match at 22-22, but a late 3-0 secured the first set win for the Leopards.

The Mountain Hawks again faced adversity in the second set, falling into a 19-12 hole after conceding a 6-0 run. Lehigh then began to chip away, conducting a 10-3 run to tie the set at 22-22. Despite their efforts, Lafayette ultimately held, claiming a 25-23 win in set two.

In set three, Lafayette began to hit more efficiently, posting a match-best .324 hitting percentage in the frame. However, the Mountain Hawks still found themselves holding a 19-16 lead towards the end of the set. The Leopards then went on a 7-0 run to put themselves in striking distance, eventually winning 25-22 to clinch the victory.

Ufuoma Omene led Lehigh with 14 kills on the night. Abby Felkai notched 22 assists, Sophia Bond tallied 17 digs and Madison McCartney led Lehigh with two total blocks.

Jada Asku paced the Leopards with 13 kills while Auma Mbeche-Odhiambo also reached double-digit kills with 12.

The Mountain Hawks will be back in action on Friday, September 26 to take on the Army West Point Black Knights at 7 p.m. in West Point, N.Y.

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