Seton Hall
Pirates end trip with losses to Texas Tech, UCSB
Date: September 9, 2018By Max Mantle
The Seton Hall Pirates were defeated by Texas Tech Red Raiders in three sets in their second match, and 3-1 in their third match of the Thunderdome Classic, to host University of California Santa Barbara.
Texas Tech took a commanding lead in the first set, starting off strong and refusing to look back, exemplified when they were up 14-5. This turned into an insurmountable lead for the Pirates, who wound up conceding the first set 25-14.
The second set involved both teams trading blows, where the Red Raiders gained separation with a 7-5 lead. Seton Hall battled admirably, making the Red Raiders anxious with a 19-15 score. A 22-17 score quickly turned into 23-21, showcasing their grit. Unfortunately, the Pirates came up short by the score of 25-21.
The third set saw the Pirates start off strong to the tune of a 7-4 lead, only to relinquish it when Texas Tech took the lead at 10-8. The resilient Pirates refused to go away, retaking the lead at 14-13. However, Texas Tech could not be stopped, taking 4 consecutive points to make it 19-15. Seton Hall ultimately lost by the score of 25-20.
Abby Thelen finished with 12 kills, leading the Pirates, while Caitlin Koska contributed 10 kills as well. Sophia Coffey and Maggie Cvelbar added 14 assists apiece.
Seton Hall lost to hosts UCSB 3-1 in their final match.
The Gauchos, who hosted the tournament, came out strong, taking a quick 9-4 lead. The Pirates refused to give up, battling back to make the score 16-12. Their grit was on display when they brought the score up to 21-19, however they were unable to take the set, conceding by a score of 25-21.
The second set saw plenty of lead changes in the early stages, as both teams fought hard. When the Pirates took the lead 12-10, the lead had changed 7 times. It quickly became apparent that both sides would have to work for each point. Four consecutive points by the Pirates brought the score up to 19-14, which proved to be the difference in this matchup, as they won 25-18.
With the score 1-1, the third set became crucial in determining who would have the upper hand. The Gauchos managed to gain a 9-5 advantage, and refused to give up any ground, extending their lead to 17-12. Seton Hall made UCSB sweat when the score was 19-17, and turned 24-19 into 24-21. However, the Gauchos took the second set 25-21.
The fourth game saw UCSB go up 7-5, and they maintained their lead to the tune of 16-12. Seton Hall came roaring back, cutting UCSB’s lead to two. Despite the mounting pressure by the Pirates, the Gauchos were unfazed by their advances, and took the game with the score of 25-19, and the match 3-1
Koska led the Pirates with 17 kills, while Thelen added an additional 13. Coffey had 23 assists, and while Cvelbar finished with 20.
This loss drops the Pirates to 4-5 on the season, with the next game taking place in Walsh Gymnasium. The Pirates host the Princeton Tigers on Tuesday, September 11th.
Max Mantle can be reached at maximillian.mantle@student.shu.edu
Posted in: Sports, Volleyball, WSOU
