NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – February 27, 2021 – The volleyball season got underway on Saturday, with Chatham falling to Westminster in three sets (25-12, 26-24, 25-22).
 
The first set was not the way the Cougars would have wished to start 2021. After back-to-back kills to start the season, Westminster won 11 of the next 12 points in route to a 25-12 victory. It also didn't help that Westminster was on point in the first set with a .360 hitting percentage, committing just two errors.
 
Sets two and three were far more competitive. The Cougars and Titans went back and forth in the second set, including spurts in which both sides rattled off four consecutive points. Ultimately Westminster put away Chatham in the second set following an ace.
 
In the third set, Chatham appeared to be in control late in the match. The Cougars went on a four-point streak to take a 22-18 lead. Unfortunately, Westminster scored the final seven points to down the Cougars and complete the sweep.
 
Chatham held a narrow 73-70 advantage in digs, but trailed Westminster in all other major categories. The Titans out blocked the Cougars 10-4 and doubled up in service aces 6-3.
 
Junior Emily Richie led the way with 10 kills and was third with 13 digs. Sophomore Rylee Ritko was one kill away from a double-double, registering nine kills and a team-best 17 digs. Sophomore Shaelah Pepperman assisted on 16 points, and graduate Macy King had three blocks.
 
Chatham turns its attention to Waynesburg on Tuesday, March 2. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.