PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Feb. 15, 2024 - After taking a 2-1 lead in the match, the Cougars dropped the final two sets (23-25, 12-15) in a loss to Carlow (2-7). 

Chatham had three players register double-digit kills. Freshman Benjamin Shelestak led with 17, followed by classmates Tyler McKnight (career-high 16) and Tim McCabe (13). Freshman Alex Moncello assisted on a career-high 27 kills, while senior Coulter Chaffee had a season-high 21. 

The Cougars set a new program record of nine total blocks with freshman Kyle Penn and senior Maximilian Barrett both deflecting three. 

Chatham snagged an early 4-1 lead in the opening set before the Celtics took over 12-11. Both teams were tied at 20 before Carlow took the set 25-23. 

In set two, the Celtics had an early 4-1 advantage. The Cougars used a 5-1 run to power their way in front 18-17 and led the rest of the way to win 25-21. 

Set three saw Chatham trail by as many as six before McCabe scored three of six unanswered Cougars points to take a 16-14 advantage. Carlow grabbed a late 18-17 lead, but Chatham outscored them 8-5 to win 25-22. 

Chatham led by as many as four in the next set, but with the score tied at 23, the Celtics scored the final two points. 

After hitting .310 in sets two and three, the Cougars netted a .245 hitting percentage in the closing sets. The Celtics jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but Chatham responded with a 7-1 run to take a two-point edge. However, Carlow outscored Chatham 10-5 to take the match. 

The Purple and Grey's next match will be on March 5 at Wilson.