Box Score Niagara, N.Y. - The Robert Morris University volleyball team rallied from a two games to none deficit to force a decisive fifth set, but the Colonials were unable to complete the comeback, falling to Colgate, 25-20, 25-18, 17-25, 19-25, 19-17, in their final match at the Canisius / Niagara Tournament Saturday afternoon at Niagara University's Gallagher Center.
Despite the loss, senior captain Amanda Graham's (Melbourne, Fla. / Eau Gallie) team-high 12 kills moved her into the all-time top ten in RMU history. Graham now has 876 career kills, which puts her in ninth place all-time in the Robert Morris record book. In addition, Graham, who was also named to the all-tournament team, recorded a team-high five block assists, moving her just six shy of tying the all-time record at RMU.
Senior captain Corinne Moser (Meyersdale, Pa. / Meyersdale) had a match-high 16 digs while freshman Alex Deines (Centennial, Colo. / Littleton) recorded her third collegiate double-double, the only one of the match, with a team-high 28 assists and 11 digs. Senior captain Charla Drabant (Wheaton, Ill. / Wheaton North) fell a kill short of joining Deines in the double-double category by adding nine kills and 10 digs as she recorded double-digit digs for the fifth time in six matches.
RMU held an early 10-7 lead in the first game after a kill by sophomore opposite Amanda Craig (Houston, Texas / St. Agnes Academy), but the Raiders ran off five straight points to take the lead for good and held on for the five-point victory.
Colgate ran off eight straight points in the middle of game two to turn a one-point edge into a nine-point lead and finished it off to open up a two-game lead.
The Raiders opened up a five-point advantage in the third game and led 15-11, seemingly on the verge of a sweep. However, the Colonials had other ideas. Robert Morris won 14 of the next 16 points to claim the eight-point win and extend the match.
The Raiders took an early 7-4 lead in the fourth game, but Robert Morris reeled off seven straight points to open up a four-point advantage. RMU extended its lead to as many as eight, but the Raiders fought back to cut their deficit to two at 21-19. The Colonials showed their resolve, winning four straight points to force a fifth game.
Colgate started strong in the final game, opening up an 8-4 lead to put pressure on the Colonials. RMU once again fought back, winning five of the next six points, to square the game at 9-9. The teams were tied at 12 before RMU won two straight points to earn two match points. Robert Morris was unable to convert and Colgate knotted the game at 14. The Colonials had four match points overall, but the Raiders did not back down and pulled out the 19-17 win.
Robert Morris registered 16 blocks as a team, their most in a non-conference match since they rejected 21 against Ball State on September 13, 2003. Their 16 blocks helped hold the Raiders to a .115 hitting percentage. Junior middle blocker Hannah Veith (Columbus, Ohio / Worthington) led the charge as she recorded a career-high and team season-high five solo blocks and had eight blocks overall, tying her career high.
Colgate was led by Maureen Colligan's 16 kills.
Robert Morris will look to respond when it travels to crosstown foe Duquesne, Tuesday, Sept. 14, to continue its 13-match road trip.
