The volleyball team (5-4 overall) wrapped up non-conference play last weekend at the Fairleigh Dickinson University Invitational in Hackensack, New Jersey. The Leopards won a tight match against Fordham University (3-4 overall) but were shut out by the host FDU (4-5 overall) on both Friday and Saturday.
The Leopards won their first match against Fordham 3-2 last Friday after dropping the first two sets. Although Fordham registered more kills than Lafayette throughout the match (62-50), the Maroon and White committed fewer attacking errors and hit for a higher percentage.
Sophomore outside hitter Emma Patmon said the team motivated itself with the opportunity of a “reverse sweep” after going down two sets.
“We compare them to some teams we might be seeing in the Patriot League, so we knew it was going to be a good competitive game,” Patmon said of Fordham. “After losing those first two sets we all came together and said, ‘We should not get swept by this team.’”
Patmon registered 15 kills for the Leopards, adding to her team-leading 77 for the season.
However, the Leopards could not keep up the momentum in their second game against FDU on Friday, falling in straight sets. Although the Maroon and White got off to a strong start in the first set, leading by as many as four points, they committed several attack errors towards the end of the set, allowing the Knights to win eight straight points to clinch the first set 25-20.
Junior libero Emily Gouldrup notched two service aces in the match for the Leopards, along with 12 digs.
“I think that first set, we still had a lot – not a lot of energy – but enough energy to be fighting back,” Gouldrup said. “Each set, we started off a little bit slower and I think that contributed to our overall loss.”
FDU commanded the rest of the match, winning the final two sets by eight and nine-point margins, respectively.
Patmon emphasized the importance of mental toughness when the Leopards play double-headers.
“One thing that we do remind ourselves is to go point-for-point and we try to be competitive in every play and try not to think of it as ‘Oh, I’m playing two big games today, two games in a row,’ but more being present in the moment,” Patmon said.
The Leopards faced FDU again on Saturday, falling once again in straight sets. Both teams went on a series of scoring runs in the second and third sets, but the Maroon and White were not able to take advantage of one and win a set.
The Leopards are now looking forward to the start of the Patriot League season. Gouldrup noted that they will be learning from both the tough wins and losses in non-conference play.
“I think in winning against Fordham and Virginia Tech, it has allowed us to kind of realize what our full potential is,” Gouldrup said. “In our losses against FDU and Winthrop, we really kind of were able to realize that there needs to be a little bit of grit and fight with us, even if we’re tired, even if we played a really hard game the day before, we need to come out stronger and better each day.”
The Maroon and White will face reigning Patriot League champion Colgate in their home opener at Kirby Sports Center at 7 p.m. tonight. They will remain at home to host Holy Cross tomorrow at 4 p.m.
“I feel like we do a pretty good job when we’re on the road about flipping the switch and when we’re traveling to other gyms, but when we’re at home, it’s a whole different feeling,” Patmon said. “I definitely feel like there’s a better, like more energy, because we’re at where we practice every day, so there’s familiarity – we’re comfortable with it.”
