WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Ave Maria Volleyball team fell to the Keiser Seahawks Wednesday evening 3-0. The Gyrenes had trouble stringing points together in the first two sets. AMU did make it close in the third set but couldn't clinch the frame as Keiser won the match.
Keiser won the first set 25-13. The match started with a lengthy run from both teams. The Seahawks had the first big run, winning six points in a row to take a 7-2 lead. However, Ave Maria responded by winning six of the next seven points to tie the match at eight. The two teams remained close to each other for a few more points before the Seahawks ran away with it. With a 13-11 lead, Keiser won 12 of the next 14 points to clinch the frame and take a 1-0 lead.
The second set was very similar to the first. The two teams hung around each other in the early parts of the set, but the Seahawks won 16 of the last 21 points to win the frame 25-12.
In the third set, Keiser put together a couple of big runs to start the frame. The Seahawks thought it was going to be another easy set, but then the Gyrenes fought back. Ave Maria went on their longest run of the night, winning eight points in a row and taking a 12-10 lead. The Gyrenes led for the middle part of the set and looked like they would be able to force a fourth set. Unfortunately, Keiser would not go away. The Seahawks tied the set at 18 points and then took the lead. The two teams were neck and neck in the 20s, but it was Keiser who was first to 25 to win the frame and the match.
Offensively, Greta Heiney led the team with eight kills. Megan Klockner was the leading setter with 10 assists. Behind the service line, Maylis DeTar logged the only ace for the Gyrenes in the third set.
Defensively, DeTar led the team in digs as well with nine. At the net, Lilian Dauses led the team with four total blocks.
With the loss, Ave Maria falls to 6-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
The Gyrenes now get a week off before they are back on the court. When Ave Maria returns to action it will be at the friendly confines of the Tom Golisano Field House as the Gyrenes play host to the No. 22 St. Thomas Bobcats. Opening serve is set for 7 p.m. and the match will be streamed live on the Sun Digital Network.
