LIVONIA, Mich.-- The Madonna University Crusaders Volleyball team suffered two defeats at the hands of Life University (Ga.) and Loyola University New Orleans 3-0 and 3-1, respectively, in its first two games of the 2021 campaign at the Palm Beach County Sport Commission Volleyball Classic on Friday.

Game 1 vs Life (Ga.), L 0-3 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Madonna kept things knotted up in the first frame led by Jodie Kelly before the Running Eagles raced away with the match.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Kacie Stoneburner recorded two blocks at the net on the day while Betsy Cook tallied nine assists. 


Game 2 vs Loyola New Orleans, L 1-3

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Wolfpack jumped out to an early 7-1 lead, holding steadfast in the scoring margin through the midgame until Madonna hammered out a 4-1 run to keep things tight in the first set. In the second, it was Madonna who leaped out to an early 6-1 edge before Loyola battled back, snatching away the set win in the waning moments. 

The Crusaders yet again rocketed out of the gate in the third set. DJ Sargent, Kelly, Stoneburner, and Jordyn Dawson all saw action throughout the game as the freshman Molly Miller continued to rack up kills to lead Madonna. 

Finally, in the fourth frame, Loyola's quick start became insurmountable as Madonna dropped its second game of the day. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Madonna's third set was arguably its strongest, landing 41.7% of total attacks as Miller led the way in kills for the game with 18. 


UP NEXT

Day two of the Palm Beach County Sport Commission Volleyball Classic will continue on Saturday, August 14 as Madonna will play another two games against Viterbo University (Wis.) and University of St. Thomas (Fla.). Action starts at 8:00 a.m. 

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