Diplomats Defeat Muhlenberg 3-0 to Remain Perfect in Centennial Conference Volleyball

by Sports Information
10/16/02

LANCASTER, PA - Rose Hartmann (Sr., Westminster, PA/William Tennent) tallied 15 kills as the Franklin & Marshall College women's volleyball team improved to 7-0 in Centennial Conference play with a 3-0 (30-23, 33-31, 30-27) victory over Muhlenberg College in the Mayser Center.

In game one, F&M built an early lead and pulled away to take a 30-23 victory behind 16 kills from Hartmann.

Muhlenberg rallied in the second game, leading by five points at one point to hold a 29-27 lead, one point shy of tying the match at one game apiece. However, F&M claimed the next three points to take a 30-29 lead and push the Mules to the brink of a 2-0 deficit as the two teams exchanged points to a 31-31 tie. The Diplomats tallied back-to-back kills from the front line to hold on for a 33-31 win.

In the third game, F&M pulled out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as the team coasted to a 30-27 victory behind six kills, three service aces and one block from Hartmann.

Overall, Kristen Kowalski (Sr., York, PA/Central York) registered 15 kills, while Meghan Godorov (Fr., Orefield, PA/Parkland) chipped in 18 digs to pace Franklin & Marshall. At setter, Jackie Skibbie (Fr., Darby, PA/Merion Mercy) handed out 39 assists as the Diplomats move to 21-5 overall on the year, one win less than the Diplomats achieved during the entire 2001 season (22-11).

For Muhlenberg, outside hitter Julie Lauro had 19 kills and setter Emily Reardon passed off 35 assists to lead the Mules (11-15, 3-3 Centennial Conference).

Franklin & Marshall (21-5, 7-0 CC) will return to action on October 19 at the Widener University Tournament in Chester, Pennsylvania. First serve is set for 9 a.m.

Franklin & Marshall (21-5, 7-0 CC) 30 33 30
Muhlenberg (11-15, 3-3 CC) 23 31 27

F&M Leaders
Kills: Rose Hartmann 15, Kristen Kowalski 15
Digs: Meghan Godorov 18
Assists: Jackie Skibbie 39

Muhlenberg Leaders
Kills: Julie Lauro 19, Dana Ferrelli 7
Digs: Maria Poluka 10, Emily Reardon 10, Jen Leigh 10
Assists: Emily Reardon 35