Bucknell University
Lehigh
Bucknell Volleyball Takes 3-0 Hit at Lehigh
11/4/2011 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 4, 2011
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - With its back against the wall in the hunt for a postseason berth, Bucknell volleyball fell in straight sets to a surging Lehigh at Leeman-Turner Arena, 25-17, 25-11, 25-22 on Friday night. Kyleigh McAhren (Napa, Calif./Justin-Siena) led the Bison offense with five kills, and Kat Tauscher (Washington, D.C./National Cathedral School) chipped in 16 assists in the loss.
Bucknell (6-14, 3-8 PL) has now been eliminated from contention for the Patriot League Tournament. With their wins tonight, Lehigh and Colgate claimed the final two berths, joining American and Army in the postseason.
The Bison needed to sweep the Mountain Hawks (17-8, 8-3 PL) to keep the hopes alive of extending its season. That goal quickly fell out of reach as Bucknell dropped the opening set 25-17 after being unable to gain a lead. The Bison drew within five points several times but never really threatened Lehigh.
The second set went much the same way. Bucknell led briefly at 6-5 before Lehigh pulled back in front and gained some breathing room with a 10-2 run. The Bison totaled six kills in the set, including four from McAhren that came in the first 10 points. After the first two sets, Bucknell had recorded a .043 attack percentage compared to .357 for Lehigh. Lehigh's percentage was helped greatly in the second set when it hit .450 with 12 kills.
Despite being down two sets, Bucknell fought its way into the final frame. The set began with the Bison trailing early again, going down by as many as five on several occasions. Unlike in earlier action, however, Bucknell was able to take advantage of some opportunities. Anne Ellenberger (Phoenix, Ariz./Horizon Honors) and Tauscher teamed up for a block to set the score at 19-17. A Lehigh attack error gave Bucknell a 21-20 lead, and Ellenberger later kept things tied at 22-22 with a kill. The Mountain Hawks ran off the final three points, including two off kills from Paige Kruse, to put the final touches on the sweep.
Bucknell finished the third set with its best attack percentage of the night at .286 and held Lehigh to .195 at the net. Ellenberger, who entered the match leading Patriot League opponents in blocks, kept up her defensive effort, leading all players with three total blocks.
Kruse was the kills leader for both teams, totaling 10, and Jessica Kudirka added 36 assists for the Mountain Hawks.
Bucknell will return to action tomorrow at 4 p.m. against Lafayette in Easton, Pa.
