Box Score Kent, Ohio - The Robert Morris University volleyball team completed play at the Kent State Open with a non-conference setback to IUPUI, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18, Saturday morning at the M.A.C. Center.
Freshman setter Hannah Hoffman (Parker, Colo. / Ponderosa) had a match-high tying 31 assists for RMU, becoming the first Colonial since 2007 to tally at least 30 assists in four consecutive matches in a single season.
Junior outside hitter Lindsey Monger (Rising Sun, Md. / Rising Sun) collected a match-high 18 digs along with seven kills while freshman outside hitter Erica Robb (Novi, Mich. / Novi) led RMU with eight kills and also added eight digs.
Freshman Sydney Sizemore (Covington, Ky. / Holy Cross) provided production for RMU in just two sets of action, notching five kills on just 10 attempts while adding two blocks.
After the teams split the opening 12 points of the match, IUPUI won five straight exchanges to open up an 11-6 lead. Robert Morris would cut the deficit to three points but could get no closer as the Jaguars would maintain their advantage into a six-point first set win.
Robert Morris fell behind early in the second set as IUPUI opened up an 8-2 lead. However, the Colonials immediately responded, returning the favor with an 8-2 run of their own, to even the set, 10-10. The game remained close for a time before the Jaguars used a 5-1 spurt to claim a 20-15 advantage. RMU again replied, utilizing a 7-2 burst, aided by two kills and a block from Sizemore, to tie the set at 22-22. IUPUI then gathered itself to take the final three rallies of the game, opening up a two-set lead.
The teams evenly divided the first 20 points of the third set. The Jaguars then claimed back-to-back rallies to take a slim two-point edge, but it was a lead they refused to relinquish. IUPUI still led by two points, 20-18, late in the set before it used a 5-0 surge to finish the game and the match.
The Colonials will once again take part in a tournament next weekend but this time it will be at home as they host the Robert Morris / Holiday Inn Classic Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17. The four-team, six-match event will commence Friday at Noon as RMU takes on Texas-Pan American. The Colonials will also play Friday at 7:00 p.m. against Morgan State and will then conclude the tournament Saturday at 5:00 p.m. with a meeting against Eastern Michigan.
