SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The Ursinus Volleyball team lost in heart-breaking fashion against Swarthmore on Tuesday evening. The Bears lost to the host Garnet in five sets (25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 14-25, 12-15).
 
 
The Bears saw their three game winning streak snapped as they fell to 9-5, 0-1 in Centennial Conference play. The Garnet improved to 8-4 overall, 2-0 in conference play.
 
 
Junior Reena Robinson paced the Bears in kills with 11 on the day. Senior Rachel Bernard led the team in assists and aces with 21 and 4 apiece. Junior Mel Eglinton and sophomore Daejah Bazemore spearheaded the team in blocks, combining for 4.5 of them.
 
 
The Bears and Garnet traded points early, splitting the first 22 points evenly before an ace by Bernard gave the Bears all of the momentum they needed, putting them up for good 12-11. They took eight of the next 11 points to a comfortable lead, before the Garnet stormed back, winning five of the next seven points of their own. The Bears ultimately put the game out of reach, winning 25-22.
 
Although the Garnet gained an early 10-9 lead in the second set, Ursinus rode excellent serves by Berrnard to a 13-10 resurgence. However, as it seemed like the set was once again heading in the Bears direction, the Garnet stormed to a 4-0 run, consequently taking the lead. Eventually, led by consecutive kills by Bazemore, the Bears pulled away, cruising to a 25-19 victory.
 
The Bears went up early in the third set 13-9, but just couldn't maintain the lead as Swarthmore bested five of the next six points and 10 of the next 14. Just when it seemed like the set was out of reach, a kill by junior Lexi Couch sparked the Bears' comeback, putting the Bears out in front 22-21. However, three out of the next five points ended in kills for the Garnet, keeping their hopes alive with a close 25-23 win.
 
Swarthmore forged ahead to an 11-7 lead in the fourth set until another kill by Couch led to the Bears taking four of the next five subsequent points. The Garnet proceeded to fend off any further attempts of a comeback, winning 13 of the next 16 points to close out the match 25-14.
 
The Garnet advanced to a 7-4 lead, dictating the fifth set from start to finish. They outlasted Ursinus 15-12, putting off any rallies from the Bears.
 
The Bears will continue Centennial Conference play on Saturday when they travel to Johns Hopkins at 12:00pm.