Chestertown, Md. (Oct. 7, 2021) - Rachel Sipling tied the block assist record with six on the match, but Alvernia University (7-10) fell to Washington College (8-7) in a 3-1 decision on Thursday night in non-conference women's volleyball action at Washington.

Rachel Sipling tied the four-set block-assist record with six block assists on the night - which was previously only held by Melissa Scott from a September 2001 match with Arcadia. Sipling also added a solo block on the match for seven total blocks on the night.

Alvernia trailed Washington just 12-7 mid-way through the first set, but a kill by the Shorewomen sparked a 7-1 run to give Washington an 18-8 advantage. A series of attack errors by the Golden Wolves pushed the Shorewomen advantage to 23-10, and Washington sealed the first set win on an Alvernia service error. 

The Golden Wolves bounced back in set two. Alvernia trailed 11-8 to the Shorewomen, but a 6-0 run that included three blocks by Alvernia, put Alvernia up 14-11. Washington and Alvernia traded the lead a few times before a kill by Alexis Schwenk sparked another mini run by Alvernia to put the Golden Wolves up 20-17. Washington retook the lead, 21-20, on an Alvernia attack error, and continued to hold a 23-22 lead a few points later. Alvernia held strong though, ticking off three straight points for a 25-23 set win. Alvernia clinched the set on a kill by Molly Gaffney.

The Shorewomen and Alvernia played another back and forth set in set three. The Shorewomen seemed to hold a decisive lead, 19-11, late in the third set, but Alvernia fought to stay in. Alvernia went on an 8-1 run to come within one of Washington, 20-19. Alvernia went on to take the lead, 25-24, on an Olivia Frutiger ace, but Washington fended off set point for Alvernia with a kill of its own to tie it up at 25-25. Washington went on to win the set 27-25 on a kill.

Washington took all the momentum from set three and came into set four firing. The Shorewomen jumped out to a 15-5 lead and didn't let off the gas the entire set. Washington took set four decisively, 25-13, and came away with the 3-1 match win.

Frutiger led Alvernia with six kills, and Schwenk and Gaffney each finished with 10 assists. Sipling finished with seven blocks and four kills.

Alvernia continues on the road on Tuesday at Widener.