Volleyball rally comes up just short in five set marathon with Sage

North Adams, MA- The visiting Sage College Volleyball team received 14 kills, 23 assists, and 9 digs from Emma Parkington as they held off the hard charging MCLA Trailblazers 3-2 this evening at the Amsler Campus Center Gym.  The Gators improve to 5-13 on the season while MCLA falls to 6-10.

Sage took a 2-1 lead after sets of 25-18, 20-25, and 25-17 and seemed in control.  From there, the Trailblazers mounted a rally.  They trailed in the fourth set 22-18 but rallied behind the serving of Celine Manigbas to earn a hard fought 27-25 and force the deciding set.  MCLA once again jumped out to an early lead, but Sage rallied behind Parkington to put the match away at 15-11.

Parkington was a do it all for the Gators notching her 14 kills on 44 attacks.  She added a pair of solo blocks and four block assists as well.  Megan Ryder and Miranda Nethaway each ended with 8 kills for Sage.  Brooke Monty came off the bench to collect 12 assists for the visitors.  Libero Kayla Weaver dug 15 balls for the Gators while Ani Crocker ended with 13.  The Gators overcame 25 attack errors in the contest.

MCLA was led by Sara LaFreniere.  The junior added season best totals of 16 kills and 17 digs.  Ahna Schlaefer had the best game of her young career too notching 10 kills.  Tessa Sestito and Beatrice Lechler set up the offense with 26 and 14 assists respectively.  Manigbas came off the bench to record a team best 28 digs while Sestito notched 22.  Lechler chipped in with 19 as well.

The Trailblazers were hurt by 44 attack errors in the match.

MCLA will host a tri match on Saturday beginning at 11am.