PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Jan. 24) – The Yellow Jackets dropped two Penn-Ohio Volleyball League conference matches this Saturday at Robert Morris University's John J. Center against both Robert Morris and Duquesne University. The Jackets led twice in both matches; however youth and inexperience proved to be the deciding factor in both losses.
Duquesne handed Waynesburg its first regular season loss (25-14, 25-17). During the first set, Duquesne took advantage of five quick points and never looked back en route to defeating the Jackets in the first match.
The second match was more of the same as the Jackets played Duquesne evenly, as they fell behind slightly by a score of 12-14. The Yellow Jackets offense sputtered and the squad played catch-up the rest of the set only to lose the second set and ultimately the match.
Sophomore outside hitter Jesse Famularo led the team in kills with eight and sophomore setter Jake Buss racked up 13 assists. In his first appearance on the court as a Yellow Jacket, freshman middle hitter, Joel Wingard led the team in digs with seven.
Robert Morris handed the Jackets their second loss in as many matches by the set scores of 25-18, 25-14. The Yellow Jackets continued to improve on the day with a solid showing against RMU in the first match leading twice and never trailing by more than three points.
The second set proved tobe a tough one as the Jackets fell behind 14-4 at the second timeout of the match called by Waynesburg.
“[We're] young [and we made some] dumb mistakes,” commented a frustrated head coach James Patterson. “We gave them that match, we made mistakes yes, but none as bad as losing complete focus. Everyone here knows we are better than that.”
Sophomore right side hitter Joel Wingard and freshman outside hitter Clayton Reiber led the Jackets in kills with four each. Sophomore Jake Buss added seven assists to his night.
“We have a lot to work on this week before Geneva and Pitt. We learned a lot tonight and I can guarantee the sting of this loss will fuel our focus during practice this week as we prepare.” Patterson said.
The Jackets will travel to Geneva College on Sat., January 31, for a conference tri-match against the Golden Tornados and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.
