The College of Staten Island women’s volleyball season came to an end this evening, as the Dolphins fell in straight games to the No. 4 seeded Lehman College Lightning in CUNYAC Postseason Quarterfinal play at the Apex Center in the Bronx, New York. Individual scores were 25-18, 25-8, and 25-22. The Lightning (12-17, 6-3 CUNYAC) advanced to Friday’s semifinal vs. top-seeded Baruch College, while CSI saw the close of its season with a 12-16 overall record (5-4 CUNYAC).
CSI suffered from a host miscues and errors in its loss, coupled with a stifling Lightning attack that scattered a total of 37 kills on a .250 attack percentage. While CSI battled for quality attack chances, Lehman commanded the match from the service line, connecting on a staggering 17 service aces.
The aces were the focus in the opening game, as Lehman posted 9 aces, with five alone coming in a row from freshman Gerri-Ann Martin. Martin would finish with six aces for the match, while Ashley Meany posted five. CSI posted just 16 attacks in the opener, as Lehman used a significant mid-game run to keep CSI at bay for most of the way.
Things got worse for the Dolphins in game two; as the Lightning used an 11-0 run to break open an early, 2-2, tie, on the service of Jillian Acevedo. Lehman meanwhile posted a healthy .417 attack percentage, while CSI struggled at -.059. The 25-8 score was one of the lowest scoring outputs the Dolphins have had all season.
Needing a wake-up call, CSI found it in game three, but again, Lehman used a mid-game run to pull ahead, and ultimately went on top, 24-17. On the service of four-year senior Alba Basha, CSI did put together a pretty five-point run to make it an interesting final, but a mistimed dig attempt foiled their attempt at a comeback, and Lehman won the game via shutout.
Lehman out-killed CSI, 37-15, and enjoyed a 17-6 service ace advantage. Martin led all attackers with 11 kills. Lisa Jagdeo finished with 23 assists for Lehman, while also leading the defensive charge with 14 digs. For CSI, Joanna Tepedino finished with six kills. Basha posted team highs with 9 assists and eight digs.