Saint Francis Struggles on Second Day at Duquense/Robert Morris Tournament

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (August 30, 2008) – The Saint Francis women’s volleyball team struggled in close games during the second day of the Duquesne/Robert Morris Invitational, dropping 3-1 and 3-0 decisions against Loyola and Robert Morris, respectively.

The Red Flash hit just .113 in the day’s first match against Loyola. They suffered excruciating 30-28 and 25-23 losses in the first two sets of the match before taking Game 3, 25-23. However, Loyola won the match with a convincing 25-11 victory in Game 4.

Senior Kristin Buter (Bowie, Md. / Bowie) had a match-high 15 kills to go with 2 aces and 11 digs, junior Shirley Miller (Fairless Hills, Pa. / Pennsbury) added 10 kills, 2 aces and 9 digs, and senior Keshia Gibbs (Dumfries, Va. / Forest Park) pitched in with 8 kills.

Against in-state Northeast Conference rival Robert Morris, SFU had a chance in every game despite losing all three by scores of 25-21, 25-19, 25-23.

Miller had 16 kills, 2 aces and 11 digs, Buter had 11 kills and 9 digs, and sophomore Lindsay Malloy (Gallitzin, Pa. / Penn Cambria) added 7 kills and 3 blocks.

The Red Flash dropped to 1-3 on the year, and will look to get back on the winning track with four contests at the George Mason Tournament next weekend. Saint Francis will get it started with an 11 a.m. Friday contest against Liberty.