The Canisius College volleyball team dropped its first match of the year, but rebounded with a three-set sweep in its second match to earn a split at day one of the Akron Invitational. The Golden Griffins lost in three sets to Bradley (25-18, 26-24, 28-26) and then defeated St. Francis (Pa.) in three sets (25-16, 27-25, 25-23) to improve to 4-1 on the season.
"We lost an opportunity to pick up a quality win against Bradley. We just couldn't finish sets to get the victory," Canisius coach Cathy Hummel said. "We rebounded with the three-set win against St. Francis, which are never easy to set. We definitely still some work left to do to find consistency individually and as a team."
The Braves pulled away midway though the first set, using a 6-0 run to build a 14-8 lead. The teams played two close sets in the second and third sets, as the Griffs built a 20-18 lead on a kill from sophomore Emily Elek. The Braves then scored two straight to tie the match and the Griffs held a 23-22 lead after a kill from Danielle Brawn. Bradley then won two straight points to earn a set point, but another kill from Brawn tied the match at 24-24. However, Bradley won two straight points to win the second set.
The third set also went to extra points, as Canisius fought back from a 22-20 deficit to take a 24-23 lead on a kill from senior Janelle Davis. Canisius then had two set points, but couldn't cash in as the Braves won three consecutive points to close out the match.
Brawn had a double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs while junior Allyson Severyn had 11 digs.
Canisius earned a three-set win over the Red Flash, winning the first set by never trailing in the set. The Griffs won the opening three points and never let St. Francis tie the score as they pulled away with an 8-1 run to win the first set. St. Francis was up 15-11 in the second set, and Canisius used a 10-6 run to tie the match at 21-21 on a block from senior Layne Adams and Brawn. Canisius fought off two set points and won the final three points, capped by a block from junior Samantha Good and Davis to win 27-25.
Canisius used a 4-0 run midway through the third set to take control and eventually close out the match. Canisius was up 23-22 and used a St. Francis attack error and kill from Adams to win its fourth match of the year.
Brawn led Canisius with 11 kills while Elek added 10 kills. Good hit .400 in the match while Severyn had 12 digs.
Canisius concludes play at the Akron Invitational on Saturday, when the Golden Griffins play the host Zips. Match time is set for 2 p.m.
Notes: Canisius starts 4-1 for the first time since the 2008 season... Brawn now has double-digit kills in seven straight matches... The senior also had a double-double in four of the last nine matches... Davis also had a double-double with 14 assists and 11 digs against St. Francis.
