Annville, Pa. (Oct. 26, 2021)- Rachel Sipling recorded a career-high 26 kills on Tuesday night, but Alvernia University (9-14, 1-6) fell to Lebanon Valley College (10-9, 3-5) 3-2 in MAC Commonwealth women's volleyball action at Lebanon Valley.
 
The first set started neck and neck with both teams knotted firmly at 7-7 partway through the set. The Golden Wolves were able to jump out to a slim lead, as first-year Allie Evangelista sparked a 7-2 run. Despite this strong offensive push, the Dutchmen were able to claim the first set, 27-25.
 
The Golden Wolves showed their resiliency in the second set, starting with a 7-3 run. Lebanon Valley quickly rallied, cutting the deficit to just two. As both teams battled back and forth, Abigail McGinley dished out a service ace that provided a necessary spark.
 
Taylor Suto and Sipling guided the way for Alvernia as they picked up a combined eight kills in the second set. This, combined with key plays by McGinley and Evangelista, was enough for the Golden Wolves to clinch the second set, 25-20.
 
The third set saw both teams battling neck and neck. Alvernia was able to take a slim 7-5 lead, however, the Dutchmen were able to go on a 9-3 run. Lebanon Valley continued to push the pace, taking a 20-14 lead.
 
The Dutchmen were able to maintain their lead all the way through as Lebanon Valley took the third set, 25-15.
 
In the fourth set, Alvernia bounced back, jumping out to an 11-3 start. Despite the strong start, the Dutchmen were able to claw their way back, drawing the match even, 14-14.
 
The Golden Wolves continued to fight, with Sipling helping guide a 6-4 run. Senior Olivia Frutiger helped put the set away, with Alvernia taking the fourth set, 28-26.
 
The fifth and final set opened with the Dutchmen claiming a 7-4 lead. Alvernia wouldn't get any closer as Lebanon Valley claimed the set 15-6, and the match, 3-2.
 
Sipling led Alvernia with a career-high 26 kills, along with 13 digs and four total blocks. Suto recorded 12 kills to go with 20 digs. Alexis Schwenk dished out 30 assists while tallying 15 digs.
 
The Golden Wolves return to action for their final match of the season on the road at Hood College on Thursday.