Washington, PA - Many coaches preach about the importance of playing focused for the entire length of any game. Wendy Smith, the head volleyball coach at Geneva, is no different. However, what Smith saw on Wednesday night was her team lose focus in two of its five games against Washington & Jefferson. As a result, Geneva dropped a 3-2 decision to the President′s in a non-conference match-up. The loss dropped Geneva to 8-16 overall and was the sixth consecutive loss for the Golden Tornadoes.
Geneva got off to a great start by winning game one convincingly 30-18. However, games two and four started inauspiciously for the Golden Tornadoes as W & J opened both games by winning the first eight points. With both teams splitting the first four games, W & J was able to prevail with a 15-12 score in the fifth and deciding game.
Megan Summers put together a memorable match at the net. In addition to her ten kills, Summers reached a single match career high with 12 blocks in the loss. Marisa Barickman led Geneva with 19 kills and also added four service aces. Seniors Allison Seldomridge (23 digs) and Caryn Azure (41 assists) also gave solid efforts for the Golden Tornadoes.
Geneva will get back into AMC North play this weekend with three critical conference matches. After hosting Daemen on Saturday night, Geneva will welcome Houghton and Roberts Wesleyan to Metheny Fieldhouse for a doubleheader on Saturday.
Geneva remains 4-3 in the AMC North, which is good enough for fifth place in the current standings.