COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University volleyball team welcomed John Carroll University to  The Capital Center on Saturday afternoon for their Senior Day match, honoring eight individuals who have put forth so much to the program over their tenures. 

Honored prior to first serve were Paree Furness, Sydney LaPointe, Caleigh Hamby, Reagan Willoughby, Bradan Mast, Aubrey Margraf, Regina Cetnarowski, and student assistant coach Kent Peterson. 

The match did not prove to be quite the send off on the court the seniors were hoping for as JCU emerged with the 3-0 win, but in the end the eight were well celebrated for their contributions to Capital volleyball. 

The Comets – who dropped sets in order 26-24, 25-15, and 25-13 – fell back to 8-16 on the season, while John Carroll improved to 17-7 overall. 

The first set proved to be the best for the Comets as they took JCU the distance, thanks in large part to a brilliant .359 hitting percentage. Capital landed 15 kills and hit just one error in the set. Capital stayed point-for-point with the Blue Streaks for much of the way, holding a tied score at 17-17. After the tied game, JCU went on a short run and quickly were ahead 24-20. Capital responded by battling off four straight set points. The four points came thanks to a kill from Alissa Holler, back-to-back blocks by Audrey James, and a kill from Sydney LaPointe. Unfortunately, a Comet service error, followed by an ace by JCU ended the set, 26-24 in favor of the visitors. 

Unfortunately for Capital, the hot offense in the first set could not be sustained and John Carroll only improved their offense and lashed home 48 kills on a .290 hitting percentage in the game. By the end of the game, Capital managed just 30 kills on a .143 clip. 

THE NUMBERS
Capital was led offensively by Alissa Holler who landed eight kills. She was followed by Lindsay Rich and Caleigh Hamby who each hit six kills. 

Reagan Willoughby shared setting responsibilities with Jordyn Hoffman and the duo combined for 24 assists. Willoughby took the most of those with 15 set-ups. 

Abby Brunner accounted for two service aces, while Aubrey Margraf landed the other ace. 

Brunner also led all players with 23 digs in the match. She was followed by Reagan Willougby with nine and Sydney LaPointe with four. 

At the net, Capital swatted away five blocks. Larissa Smith, Caleigh Hamby, Audrey James and Lindsay Rich each were in a mixture of two blocks a piece. 

THE OPPONENT
Kills - Cassi Calamunci (12)
Aces - Cassi Calamunci (3)
Blocks - Jessica Liddle (3)
Assists - Ally Bartolone (20)
Digs - Lexi MacDonald (23)

UP NEXT
Capital will hit the road for Heidelberg University on Wednesday, October 26th. First serve in Tiffin, Ohio is scheduled for 7 p.m.