PITTSBURGH, Pa. – March 16, 2021 – After a 12-day layoff, the Chatham women's volleyball team fell in three sets to Franciscan at home (25-21, 25-21, 25-22). The loss dips Chatham's record to 2-3.
 
The first set went back and forth until Chatham assumed control at 20-13 thanks to an 8-1 run over the Barons. After a timely timeout by Franciscan, the visitors ripped off a 12-1 run to close the first set with a 25-21 victory.
 
In the second set, the roles were reversed. Franciscan assumed control midway through the first set after an 8-1 run. Chatham embarked on a 6-0 run to cut the gap to two and eventually at one on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately, the end result was the same: a 25-21 Franciscan victory in set two.
 
In the third set, Franciscan got out to an early 7-3 lead until Chatham retook control on a 7-2 run. The third set went back-and-forth with Chatham hoping to extend the game and Franciscan hoping to complete the sweep. The latter of got its wish, and Franciscan earned the 3-0 victory.
 
Most of the statistics were dead even, with both teams marking four aces and 33 assists. Franciscan held edges in kills (38-34) and digs (79-73), while Chatham out blocked the Barons 4-1. The Cougars hit .090 for the match compared to Franciscan's .138.
 
Junior Emily Richie and freshman Lona Bailey each registered 11 kills and a service ace. Richie added 15 digs and Bailey 12. The leader in digs and aces was freshman Meghan Dominek at 23 and two, respectively. Sophomore Shaelah Pepperman dished out 28 assists, and classmate Rylee Ritko added 14 digs.
 
Chatham looks to bounce back against Thiel on Friday, March 19 at home with a 6 p.m. start.