Box Score Binghamton, N.Y. ? Sept. 28, 2008 ? The Robert Morris University Colonials, led by sixth-year head coach Rob Thomas, faced their third consecutive five-set match of the weekend against the Binghamton Bearcats. Despite a valiant effort by the entire squad, the Colonials were defeated 2-3 by Binghamton.
The Colonials gained the 1-0 lead, defeating the Bearcats 25-22 in set one. The Colonials gained the advantage giving up only seven errors to Binghamton's 14. The Bearcats bounced back in the second set and won 25-13.
In set three, the Colonials overpowered the Bearcats and won 25-13. At 3-3 the Colonials took off on an eight point run under the serve of sophomore Amanda Graham (Melbourne, Fla. / Eau Gallie). In the run, Graham put down a couple of aces, while sophomore Charla Drabant (Wheaton, Ill. / Wheaton North) added a trio of kills. After a few side-out , Drabant went back to the serving line and started another run for the Colonials bringing the score to 16-9. After a couple of kills by seniors Emily Wolthuis (Byron Center, Mich. / South Christian) and Cassie Lee (Vista, Calif. / Vista), the Colonials brought set three to an end.
Unfortunately, the Colonials did not put the match away in the fourth set, with the Bearcats winning 25-15 and forcing a fifth set. The set started with both teams evenly trading side-outs until the tie was knotted at 10-10 and the Bearcats began to roll ahead. Set five ended with the Colonials falling to the Bearcats 15-5.
A quartet of Colonials contributed eight kills each, with Wolthuis earning eight kills and 15 digs, Graham earning eight kills and three blocks and Lee and Drabant each contributing identical eight kill, five dig performances.
Freshman Alyssa Bennett (Ramona, Calif. / Ramona) finished with 27 assists, six digs and two block assists, while senior Alaina Gibson (Muncie, Ind. / Muncie Burris) earned a team high 17 digs.
The 10-5 Colonials head to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Oct. 1 to take on cross-town rival the Duquesne Dukes.
