In their first MAAC match of the 2012-13 season, the Saint Peter's University volleyball team (1-12, 0-1 MAAC) dropped a straight set decision (18-25, 12-25, 18-25) to Fairfield University (6-5, 1-0 MAAC) this afternoon.
The Peacocks stuck close in the first set, keeping the score knotted at 9-9, aided by four unforced errors by the Stags. The hosts proceeded to go on an 8-0 run however, to establish a 17-9 advantage. Saint Peter's came within four at 19-15, before the Stags outscored the visitors 6-3 to take the set.
Fairfield jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the second set and never looked back. Saint Peter's trailed by as many as 15 (20-5), before dropping the game 25-12.
Set three started similar to the first, with both teams exchanging points in the early going. After trailing 8-5, Saint Peter's was able to tie the score at 12-12 following an ace by freshman Lauren Behrens. A double block by Kassi Wirth and Lexandra Wirth gave them their first and only lead of the entire match. Again, the hosts went on a tear, this time 8-3, to force Head Coach Andrew Brown to call a time-out. Fairfield would close out the frame with a 5-3 run for the set and match victory.
Laura Reinhart and Lauren Behrens both recorded 7 kills and 1 ace in the loss. Behrens came up with 8 digs, while Reinhart had 6. Junior libero Jenny Pliska had a team-high 16 digs.
Lexandra Wirth led the team in blocks with 3 block assists, and added 2 kills and 7 digs.
Briannon Dixon had 14 kills to lead the Stags, while the reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year Caitlin Stapleton had 12. Fairfield's Kara Reis had a match-high 21 digs.
The Peacocks return to MAAC action tomorrow, with a 2pm contest against Iona College in New Rochelle, NY.
