The Waynesburg University women’s volleyball team traveled to Thiel College where they fell to the Tomcats 3-0. 

After a loss in the opening set 25-17, Waynesburg kept it close in the second, losing by a close score of 25-21. Thiel was able to pull away in the third and final set of the night with a score of 25-18, improving their record to 8-16 on the season, while Waynesburg is now sitting at 9-16 and a record of 3-12 in the conference.

After the loss, Head Coach Emily Taylor explained why this result isn’t a cause for panic. 

“Our approach is to always work hard and have fun while we’re in the gym. Last night felt tense and not fun,” Taylor said. “We’re going to get back to remembering why we’re here and what drives us to be part of this team.” 

Despite some of the tough losses that have come with this season, Taylor is very pleased with her freshman class and how they have stepped up this season. 

“They have all seen playing time this year. I think that alone speaks to their abilities as athletes,” Taylor said. “They’ve all improved a lot already, and I’m excited for the future of this team because they are a part of it.” 

One notable key contributor in this impressive freshman class is Paige Cousley, who was able to lead the Yellow Jackets in assists (18) and aces (4) on the night. Taylor was quick to mention the amazing production by her star freshman. 

“I am very impressed with Paige. She stepped up in a major way this season by taking on setting,” Taylor said. Cousley was originally looked at to be a defensive specialist, however this season Taylor believes she has done whatever her team needs her to do to win.

In light of the recent losses that Waynesburg has experienced, Taylor closed by saying how proud she was of her team. 

“To go from two wins last spring to nine this season is a huge improvement,” Taylor said. 

The future of this young squad looks bright and Waynesburg’s next matchup sees them travel to Saint Vincent against the 7-13 Bearcats.