The Saint Peter's University volleyball team was defeated by Loyola University this afternoon in straight sets (24-26, 17-25, 19-25). Laura Reinhart lead the Peacocks in the loss, recording her fourth double-double of the year of 11 kills and 10 digs.
The hosts had their best chance for a victory in the first set, despite being in an initial 7-2 deficit. Head Coach Andrew Brown called an early timeout, which his team responded to by forming a 7-0 run to estbalish a two-point advantage (9-7) and force Loyola to call a timeout of their own. Saint Peter's was able to gain a three-point edge at 19-16 following an ace by junior libero Jenny Pliska.
Loyola soon roared to life however, and proceeded to outscore the hosts by a 6-1 margin to make the score 23-20. A 3-0 spurt by Brown's squad tied the game at 23-23, but the visitors closed out the game 3-1 for the win.
In set two, the Peacocks opened up the game scoring three consecutive points, but the Greyhounds went on a 4-0 run to grab the lead. The score remained within three points until Loyola rattled off three straight markers, paced by two Peacock unforceds errors, to open up a 19-13 advantage and put the game out of reach.
Saint Peter's managed to hold on to just two brief leads in the final set (4-3 and 13-12), after trailing for the first half of the stanza. The Peacocks would extend their advantage to two (14-12), before they were outscored 13-5 in the remainder of the frame.
Lauren Behrens finished with 8 kills, 3 service aces and 5 kills, while Kristina Baehr dished out 22 helpers and had 5 digs as well. Stephanie Mills recorded a match-high 5 block assists, and added a solo block.
Two players finished with double-digit kills for the Greyhounds, Jac Bullock (14) and Mindy Maloney (10).
The Peacocks return home this Wednesday, for a 7pm match against Rider.
