KINGSTON, R.I. – The Canisius College volleyball team's non-conference season woes continued on Friday afternoon as the squad dropped a doubleheader at the Art Carmichael Invitational hosted by the University of Rhode Island. The Griffs fell to 1-9 on the year after losing in three sets both to Rhode Island (4-3) and Sacred Heart (3-4) to cap the Friday slate. 

“This was one of the most disappointing volleyball days to date,” head coach Cathy Hummel said. “When this team decides that it has had enough of losing we should see a different result. I look forward to that day in the near future.”

In both matches the Griffs struggled with its offensive efficiency, in the first match especially, posting a -.010 hitting percentage against the Rams, and improving that mark to .141 against the Pioneers. Katlyn Tyler recorded six kills in each match she played, while Rachel Kline recorded six kills against Rhode Island and five against Sacred Heart.

In the first game Grace Streicher had the most assists, tallying 14 against the Rams, however freshman Julia Hrycyk paced the team in that category with 14 of her own against Sacred Heart.

On the defensive end, Kline registered seven digs apiece against Rhode Island and Sacred Heart.

In the first match against the Rams, the Griffs kept it close, at one point holding a 13-11 lead, however the Rams fought back, and knotted it up at 17-17 and then proceeded to go on an 8-3 run to take the set 25-20. Rhode Island went on to control the next two sets, winning by scores of 25-13 and 25-15.

In next match things were much closer against the Pioneers. Canisius once again dropped the first set 25-19, but showed resiliency in the second frame. The Griffs and Pioneers had five tied scores in the set, and Canisius tied it up late thanks to a Sacred Heart attack error which made it 22-22. However three kills by Sarah Krufka helped put the set away 25-23 in favor of Sacred Heart. The Blue and Gold went on to lose the final set 25-11 to drop the match.

The Griffs will play one more match in the tournament tomorrow as the squad will face off against Lehigh at noon. Following that match the Griffs will head home for a Tuesday night ESPN3 debut against Buffalo at the Koessler Athletic Center. Check back to GoGriffs.com for more information about the groundbreaking match.

GAME NOTES:
The Griffs are now 0-2 against Rhode Island and 0-1 after the first ever match against Sacred Heart … Early sets have been tough for the Griffs as the squad has tallied just two set wins in the first or second frame during last six matches, dating back to its 3-0 win over Loyola.