This past Tuesday and Wednesday, Waynesburg University’s volleyball team lost to Pitt-Greensburg and La Roche on the road. 

The team traveled to Pitt-Greensburg on Tuesday where the team lost in three sets, losing them 25-16, 26-24 and 25-11. Coach Hope Johnston is optimistic about the team’s defense.

“Despite the losses, our defense has been improving. We are getting a high volume of digs,” Johnston said.

Freshman Bostyn Guinn showed a strong performance in the first match with 22 assists and 8 digs. 

“As far as my performance on the court, I’m trying to find those hitters who are consistent and find holes in the opponent’s defense,” Guinn said. “We’re starting to make some good offensive connections and that’s what makes the game fun.”

Sophomore Katie Cottis led the team in digs in this match with 11.

“I think one of our biggest strengths is that we have a really balanced offense. We have multiple players who can step up and make plays, which makes us harder to defend,” Cottis said. “In the first match against Pitt-Greensburg, being tied for the team lead in kills showed that we have the ability to spread the offense around and rely on each other.”

In the second game played this past Wednesday, Waynesburg was swept again by LaRoche, losing 26-24, 25-18, and 25-23. 

The team was outmatched in aces, giving up 15 compared to Waynesburg’s four. Despite the loss, the team had more digs with 47 compared to LaRoche’s 37. 

Coach Johnston knows there is more work to do before the next matchup.

“For the upcoming practice before our Carlow game we are going to focus greatly on serve receive,” Johnston said. “Passing needs to improve in order to compete with any team.”

Waynesburg’s next match is on the road against Carlow on Sept. 14th. The match starts at 7 p.m.