LATROBE, Pa. (Aug. 29) – The Waynesburg University volleyball team opened its 2025 season Friday at the Saint Vincent Bearcat Challenge inside the Carey Center.

The Jackets faced Rochester Institute of Technology in their first match of the day before taking on Carlow in the nightcap. Waynesburg dropped both contests by 3–0 scores.

Game 1 – RIT 3, Waynesburg 0 (25–22, 25–19, 26–24)

Set one featured 10 ties and five lead changes before the Tigers closed late for a 25–22 decision.

Waynesburg raced out to a 9–2 lead in set two. RIT drew even at 12 and the Jackets were still level at 18 before the Tigers pulled away, 25–19.

The third set was the tightest of the match, producing 15 ties and five lead changes. Neither team led by more than four points, and the Jackets were tied at 24 before RIT finished 26–24.

Kristina Zadrozny (McDonald, Pa. / West Allegheny) finished with seven kills and two blocks. Riley Ruffley (Bedford, Pa. / Bedford) handed out 11 assists, while Paige Mortimore (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Brentwood) collected 11 digs and added two kills. The Jackets also picked up three blocks from Audrey Work (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Baldwin) and three service aces from Ray Baniaga (Honolulu, Hawaii / Sacred Hearts).

Game 2 – Carlow 3, Waynesburg 0 (25–22, 31–29, 25–20)

The Jackets led the first set 15–11 before Carlow caught up at 15 and held on, 25–22.

Set two featured 12 ties and six lead changes. Waynesburg held four set points at 24–23, 25–24, 26–25 and 28–27, while also surviving two Carlow set points at 27–26 and 29–28. The Celtics finally converted on their third opportunity to win the marathon frame 31–29.

The third stayed within two points until 17–17, when Carlow pulled away for a 25–20 final.

Zadrozny again paced the offense with 11 kills, while Mortimore added six. Ruffley distributed 24 assists. Macee Cree (Garards Fort, Pa. / Mapletown), the opening-day starter at libero, tallied 10 digs. Madison Zeroski (Cadiz, Ohio / Harrison Central) contributed four kills, two blocks and three aces, and Emily Stutzman (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg) also served three aces.

The Jackets (0–2) continue tournament play tomorrow at the Bearcat Challenge.