MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU women's volleyball team mounted an impressive comeback effort Saturday afternoon, rallying from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set against Purdue Fort Wayne before falling 3-2 at the UPMC Events Center. With the loss, the Colonials are now 3-13 overall with a 1-4 mark in #HLVB play.
FIRST SET
The Colonials and Mastodons traded points throughout the opening frame, with neither side able to establish significant separation early.
After the teams exchanged points through the opening stages, the Mastodons began to create some distance. Purdue Fort Wayne used a series of timely kills and defensive stops to build a lead, forcing the Colonials to work their way back into the set.
RMU responded with a push late in the frame. Hornung and Decker helped fuel the offense as the Colonials continued to chip away at the deficit. The two teams traded points down the stretch, but Purdue Fort Wayne managed to hold off the rally and secure a 25-23 victory to take the opening set.
SECOND SET
The Mastodons found success at the net and took advantage of a strong stretch midway through the frame. Riley Rosneck and Trinity Rye provided offensive production as Purdue Fort Wayne extended its lead and forced RMU to play from behind.
The Colonials continued to compete, with Hornung and Decker delivering important kills to keep the offense moving. Barnard distributed the ball effectively, helping RMU generate opportunities across the front row.
Despite the effort, Purdue Fort Wayne maintained control of the set. The Mastodons closed out the frame, 25-19.
THIRD SET
Facing a two-set deficit, RMU responded with its strongest offensive performance of the afternoon in the third set.
The Colonials found their rhythm early, spreading the ball around and putting consistent pressure on the Mastodons' defense. Hornung and Decker continued to lead the way, while Todd and Schultz added important contributions to keep Purdue Fort Wayne from settling into a defensive rhythm.
RMU's attack became increasingly effective as the set progressed. The Colonials finished the frame with 17 kills and just four attack errors, hitting an impressive .351.
Purdue Fort Wayne attempted to keep pace, but RMU continued to find answers offensively. The Colonials closed out the set with a 25-20 victory, cutting the match deficit to 2-1 and giving themselves a chance to complete the comeback.
FOURTH SET
With momentum beginning to shift, RMU carried its strong play into the fourth set. The Colonials' offensive attack proved particularly effective, as they recorded 18 kills and hit .359 in the set.
Defensively, RMU also made its presence felt at the net. Hornung and Schultz helped disrupt Purdue Fort Wayne's attack, while the back row continued to keep rallies alive and provide opportunities for the offense to respond.
Purdue Fort Wayne struggled to regain the momentum it had established in the opening two sets. RMU maintained its advantage throughout the frame and secured a 25-18 victory to even the match at two sets apiece.
FIFTH SET
Purdue Fort Wayne gained an early advantage and used its offensive attack to put pressure on the Colonials.
RMU continued to fight, but Purdue Fort Wayne answered the Colonials' attempts to close the gap and kept its lead intact.
Despite the late push, the Mastodons held on to take the fifth set, 15-11, and claimed the match by a 3-2 final.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Keira Hornung and Lauren Decker led RMU with 17 kills apiece.
- Hornung recorded seven total blocks, including two solo blocks, to lead the Colonials defensively at the net.
- Decker posted a team-high 20 digs, adding three total blocks and an assist.
- Layla Todd finished with 11 kills and 14 digs, recording a double-double.
- Kenlee Barnard dished out 50 assists and added nine digs.
- Anahi Alvarado contributed 17 digs and nine assists.
- Tia Schultz added nine kills while hitting .286 and finished with four total blocks.
- RMU finished with advantages in kills (66-60), assists (62-58), blocks (9-8) and hitting percentage (.253-.217).
UP NEXT
RMU will travel to Youngstown State for a match on Tuesday, October 6. First serve is set for 6:00 PM.
