FROSTBURG, Md. — A heart-breaking loss in the third set of its first match spiraled into a 0-2 start for Marietta College at the Frostburg State Volleyball Tournament. The Pioneers fell 3-1 to Susquehanna (Pa.) and then 3-0 to Geneva (Pa.) on Friday (Sept. 10) evening.

Marietta (4-4) came out strong and posted a 25-21 win in the first set against Susquehanna. The Crusaders evened the match with a 25-20 victory in set two. In the third set, the teams battled for 68 points with Susquehanna pulling out the 35-33 win. It then used the momentum to take set four 25-14 and the match 3-1.

Junior right side hitter Meredith Storey (Olmsted Falls/Olmsted Falls) continued her hot start to the season with a team-best 12 kills. Classmate outside hitter Alex Weissling (Dublin/Dublin Scioto) contributed 11 kills and two service aces to the offense run by sophomore setter Ally Jenkins (Twinsburg/Walsh Jesuit). Jenkins finished the match with 34 assists. Freshman middle blocker Kathryn Hanssen added nine kills in the loss.

Sophomore libero Jen Braun (Chagrin Falls/Kenston) anchored the defense with 31 digs. She was assisted by 12 digs from Jenkins, who also contributed three total blocks. Hanssen led all defenders at the net with five total blocks, while freshman middle blocker Paige DeVriendt (Bowling Green/Bowling Green) had four total blocks against the Crusaders.

After a short break, Marietta returned to the court against Geneva still trying to overcome its match with Susquehanna. As a result, the Golden Tornadoes jumped out to a 2-0 advantage by winning the first two sets 25-14 and 25-13, respectively. A refocused Pioneer squad battled in set three but Geneva finished the sweep with a 25-22 victory.

Storey once again provided the majority of the offense by collecting 11 kills. Jenkins finished with 21 assists, while senior right side hitter Tasha Williams (Little Hocking/Warren Local) added two service aces.

Braun stayed busy on defense and had 22 digs. Junior outside hitter Liz Robbe (Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park) contributed nine digs. DeVriendt led the play at the net with three total blocks.

Marietta concludes play at the Frostburg State Tournament Saturday (Sept. 11) when the Pioneers take on Gallaudet at 12 p.m. and then play a second match at a time yet to be determined.