Waynesburg Volleyball lost two matches on the second day of the Bearcat Challenge downgrading their record to 2-3 on the season. 

The first matchup on Saturday was against Pitt Bradford. Waynesburg lost the first set in a narrowing 25-23 score. They came back to win sets two and three but couldn’t hold the lead. Ultimately losing the final two sets. 

“That match showed me we need to work on our mental toughness and focus to close out matches,” said Head Coach Taylor. “We can’t take points or sets off and still expect to win.”

The match was statistically even except for two categories: aces and blocks. Waynesburg’s Freshman Paige Cousley led the match with four aces. Pitt Bradford dominated defensively with 13 blocks compared to the Yellow Jackets five.

The whole team impressed their coach today but another strong showing from Sophomore Gillian Mulcahy caught Taylor’s eye. 

“She stepped up in the libero role and was laying it all out to keep balls off the floor on our side,” said Taylor. “Gil is a steady presence on the court and her teammates rely on that when things get heated.”

Mulcahy had the most digs of the match with 28.

Waynesburg lost their second match on Saturday 0-3 against Hiram College. 

After being placed last in the PAC preseason rankings the Yellow Jacket’s began the season strong with the best start since 2013. 

“It definitely placed a chip on our shoulders that motivates us every day,” said Taylor. “I keep reminding them that it’s the preseason poll and truly has no bearing on what we can accomplish so we always need to play to our full potential no matter what anyone thinks.”

Coach Taylor is very proud of their current record and the change in the Jacket’s Volleyball culture led by Team Captain Lexy Marsh.

“She was a transfer last year but Lexy has found her voice this year,” said Taylor. “She’s a positive force to be reckoned with and has gone above and beyond to hold her teammates to a higher standard for the betterment of the program.”

The young talented team is on the rise and preparing for their next matchup at McKeesport on Sept. 11, to face off against University of Pittsburgh  at Greensburg and Penn State Greater Allegheny. 

“We had a great opportunity to see what works well on our team against good competition, we have a lot of hard work and preparation to put in this week at practice,” said Marsh. “Overall, we are ready and excited for whatever comes our way!”