WAYNESBURG, PA (March. 2) – The Yellow Jackets dropped two conference matches this past Saturday first to West Virginia University then to Robert Morris University.  Although the Jackets failed to notch W's for the day, the coaching staff was excited with how well the youngest team in the league performed.

“It's hard to accept a loss to any team at any point in your season but I cannot be upset with how my guys played.” Head Coach James Patterson commented after the tri-match.  “We played very well, we played focused and disciplined and I cannot fault them for losing close matches to teams playing more juniors and seniors on the court than I have on my entire roster.  I can't begin to explain how excited I am because this kind of production on the court now can only mean good things in the next two years when it's our turn.” 

The Yellow Jackets fought valiantly against their first opponent playing third ranked WVU even through 12 points.  WVU handed the Jackets a 3 point run giving Waynesburg the 12-11 lead before serving 3 straight points to take command of the set 14-12.  Following a quick side out the Mountaineers scored 2 more quick points on attack giving WVU a 17-13 lead which they would build on as they took the first set 25-16. 

The second set saw Waynesburg jump to a 5-2 lead.  After an exchange of points the Jackets called a quick timeout behind 4 points 10-14.  Waynesburg would fizzle allowing the Mountaineers to build on their lead before they called their second timeout behind 13-20.  A one minute conference with the coaching staff seemed to do the Jackets some good as they climbed back into the match with 5 points of WVU 18-23.  The Mountaineers however would seal their victory with a service ace and a ball handling error by the Jackets winning the match 25-16, 25-20. 

The second match was an exciting display of defense and hitting from the Jackets as they lost a close first set to Robert Morris 25-27.  The Jackets delivered points when they needed them most as they found themselves playing to a 17-17 tie at the first time out of the set.  The Jackets fell behind 23-24 before battling within striking distance to a 25-25 tie.  A deep line shot by the Jackets just missed the end line giving RMU set point which they used to drop the Jackets 27-25. Junior outside hitter Luke Navickasled the Jackets in kills with 5 very timely points.  While sophomore setter Jake Buss delivered big while playing back with 6 digs.

The Yellow Jackets would open the second set much like the first set however a questionable call followed by a rotational error would rattle the jackets at the halfway mark with the score 14-22.  Again Waynesburg would rally back within 5 points before losing the match with the final score 25-27, 17-25. 

Jake Reynoldswould lead the team in kills with 8 on the day followed by Luke Navickaswith 7.  Freshman middle Joel Wingardwould add 5 kills along with 4 solo blocks.  Sophomore standout setter, Jake Buss would benefit from the big showing by his squad with a two match total of 25 assists.  “We played big and we are learning as a squad that we can hang with anybody as long as we play disciplined.” Stated freshman middle hitter Joel Wingard.  The Jackets passing came alive on serve receive in both matches allowing for one of the best offensive showings the squad has ever experienced.  “Big time defensive plays and smart points” stated Patterson.  “We won 3 of 4 major rallies in the combined matches today and that's big and its all the more proof that we are going places once we learn to harness the young raw talent!”

The Jackets have two weeks off due to scheduling and Spring Break and will return to action March 21^st at Carnegie Mellon.  For further information please feel free to contact James Patterson at jpatters@waynesburg.edu or by phone at 724-852-3346.