Gwynedd Valley, PA - The Albright Lions fell in their season opener to Gwynedd Mercy in a tight five set match, where no set was decided by more than four points. The final was 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-27, 16-14 in favor of the Griffins.
The Griffins got out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first set, before the Lions roared back and scored the next six. The two teams would trade points back and forth the rest of the set, with neither team taking more than a two point advantage. Ultimately the Griffins would win the set 25-22.
In set number two the Lions got out to an early 13-5 lead. the Griffins would make it closer towards the end of the set, but the set was never in doubt, as the Lions would win 25-21.
In another close set, the Griffins would use a 8-1 run early to take a 10-4 lead. but the Lions battled back and tied things at 12. But Gwynedd Mercy would then go on a quick 4-0 run to take a lead they wouldn't surrender. Albright would get as close as one point, but the Griffins would win set three 25-22.
With their backs against the wall, the Lions started out slow in the fourth set, as the Griffins used an 8-0 run to take an early 8-1 lead. The Lions would claw their way back to make it 14-9 before going on a 6-0 run to take a lead. The two teams would go back and forth the rest of the set, with the Griffins even having a match point up 25-24, but the Lions would go on to win the next three points to win the fourth set 27-25. Sending the season opener to a fifth and final set.
ALbright would get out to a 12-7 lead in the final set, putting them just three points away from victory. But the Griffins would use 5-0 run to tie the set up at 12. After trading points the Lions would have a match point serving up 14-13, but similar to what Albright had done in the previous set, the Griffins would go on to win the next three points, clinching the victory with a 16-14 fifth set win.
The Lions were led by
Sophie Hampton's 15 kills, followed by
Rhianna Betley's 10. Hampton also had two blocks, tied with teammate
Rachel Etim for most in the match.
Paola Mejias was everywhere for the Lions, recording team highs with 36 assists and four aces. SHe was also second on the team with 13 digs, just one behind
Shelby Cheuvront's 14.
Carly Bono chipped in with 12 digs as well.
Up Next - The Lions will come home for their home opener on Saturday, September 3rd. They will take on Rosemont College at 11am.
