The women's volleyball team hosted a tri-match with Trinity Washington University and Central Penn College, Friday, August 29.  First taking on the Trinity Tigers, the Patriots swept the visitors, 3-0.  Feeling the fatigue against Central Penn, the women pushed through an exciting three-set match to sweep the Knights, 3-0 and take the tri-match for their first wins of the season!

With two games scheduled for the evening, the Ladies had a full night ahead of them.  Taking the court for the first time in uniform, the Lady Patriots could feel the pressure as they set to face the Trinity Washington Tigers.   Outside hitter Madison Arrowsmith and middle blocker Shelby Shepherd stood as the only two veterans on the floor, ready to lead the young squad in their first collegiate match. 

Things started off slow for the Lady Patriots as unforced errors and rookie mistakes restricted the women from getting on a solid run.  As both teams approached the 10-point mark, a quick timeout was called from the home bench to allow the women to regroup.  After the break the team went on a small run but the Tigers came right back.  Finally VFCC was able to put the game to rest and finished the first set 25-18.

Sets two and three showed a more refined VFCC volleyball team.  Finally finding their chemistry and working out the kinks in the system the Lady Patriots cruised to victory taking the next two sets by finals scores of 25-12.
Freshman Gabrielle Martin commanded the offense with 7 kills, in addition to 11 digs and four service aces.  Madison Arrowsmith followed right behind with six kills.  Newcomer Brittany Eberly nabbed 14 digs for the match.

Riding the wave of excitement, the Lady Patriots were set to take on the Central Penn College Knights in front of a packed-out house.  The first two sets continued to display a strong team chemistry and competitive drive among the Lady Patriots.  Despite various unforced errors and mis-communications, the team continued to push forward and grab sets one and two with a matching score of 25-14. 

The third set held a different story.  Starting off strong the women took a small lead but quickly became comfortable and slowed their attack.  The Knights took advantage of the breakdown and managed to tie the Lady Patriots several times.  As both teams battled neared 25 points, the Lady Patriots managed to pull ahead and take the lead 22-21.  Strong serves from Olivia Wireman allowed the team to defend the net and grab two kills to get to match point, 24-22.  Communication errors from the home team paved the way for the Knights to stay right on the Lady Patriots heels, 23-24.  Refusing to let the game to a fourth set, the women received a perfect serve and set up Mackenzie Thibodeau to finish it off with an outside hit.

The team recorded 26 aces, one of the highest in program history.

Shelby Shepherd recorded six kills, followed by Gabrielle Martin and Madison Arrowsmith with five kills a piece.

"I was very proud of how the team played tonight.  It was primarily freshman on the floor and they proved that they deserved to be out there.  I think we set the stage for an exciting season," stated Head Women's Volleyball Amanda Gauthier.
The women remain at home for their next match, hosting East Region opponent Cairn University.  The game is set for September 3 with a start time of 7PM.

Go Patriots!