MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The Robert Morris volleyball team closed out the Natale Sporting Goods Invitational on a high note Saturday afternoon, earning a 3-0 sweep of Maryland Eastern Shore at the UPMC Events Center.
The Colonials (2-9) took control early and never let the Hawks (1-10) find their footing, securing set victories of 25-21, 27-25 and 25-18.
RMU's offense continued to find its rhythm throughout the afternoon, as the Colonials finished with 57 kills while hitting .315 as a team. Robert Morris also held advantages over UMES in assists (55-32), aces (5-2) and digs (52-42).
The opening set featured several momentum swings, with UMES taking an early 15-11 lead. The Colonials responded with five consecutive points to move in front, 16-15, before closing the frame on a 9-6 run to take a 1-0 lead.
The second set provided the day's biggest test.
With neither team able to create significant separation, the score remained tight late. RMU earned set point at 24-23, but the Hawks answered to extend the frame. The Colonials regained the advantage at 25-24 before Lauren Decker delivered a pair of kills to seal the 27-25 victory and put RMU one set away from the sweep.
Robert Morris saved its most efficient offensive performance for the third set, hitting .417 with 20 kills and just five errors.
The Colonials gradually created separation midway through the frame and maintained control down the stretch, finishing off the Hawks, 25-18, to secure their second victory of the season.
Decker and Layla Todd led the Colonials with 15 kills apiece, while Keira Hornung added 10 kills on a .391 hitting percentage. Decker also contributed 15 digs and two service aces.
Kenlee Barnard directed the RMU offense with 43 assists, while adding nine digs, two blocks and an ace. Maddie Siphakonviseth anchored the defensive effort with a match-high 17 digs.
Addyson Butts added eight kills while hitting .500, while Tia Schultz recorded seven kills and hit .462 for the match.
COLONIAL NOTES
UP NEXT
The Colonials open Horizon League play Tuesday, Sept. 22, welcoming Youngstown State to the UPMC Events Center for the first Horizon League conference matchup of the 2026 season. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
