Ryan Flynn – Sports Editor –
Owls volleyball’s 13-game winning streak, which ties a school record, ended on Saturday during their doubleheader in Philadelphia, PA.
The Owls (14-2) won their first match, against Caldwell College 3-1 before losing to host team University of the Sciences, also by a 3-1 margin.
Against Caldwell (9-8), Lauren McVey had a monster night, tallying 22 kills and 28 digs. Setter Kimberly Lachowicz, a senior, had a game high 49 assists.
The team lost the first set 27-25 before coming back to win the next three by scores of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-14.
Just hours later, the team squared off against the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (6-6) in by far the tougher test of the day.
Again, McVey posted an impressive stat line, with 18 kills and 18 digs. Sarah Beres added 15 kills of her own.
In a hard fought match that was close througout, the Owls pulled off a first set win 25-22 before dropping the next three sets.
The University of the Sciences took the second set 29-27, the third 25-22 and the fourth 26-24.
Next up for the Owls is a pair of NE-10 conference games. First, they match up against Assumption College at home on Tuesday, 9/25 at 7 p.m. at Pelz Gymnasium.
Another home contest awaits on Sunday, 9/30, when the Owls will match up against Stonehill College at 1 p.m.
FACTS ABOUT THE STREAK:
-The Owls went 21 days total without a loss, which came in their first road game of the season at Nyack College
-During the streak, the team won five different straight-set matches, including three in a row.
-The previous 13-game winning streak was also under head coach Lisa Barbaro, who led the 2009 squad to 13 straight wins to start the season.
-The Owls continue to have an undefeated record both at home at Pelz Gymnasium and in conference, where they are 2-0.