Colonials Mauled by Panthers in Straight Sets; Extend Losing Streak to Six

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The team huddles and celebrates a point in the straight-set loss Photo credit: Malena Kaniuff

Cam Wickline

MOON TOWNSHIP– The Robert Morris volleyball team was swept in three sets for the fourth straight time and extended their losing streak to six. The Colonials lost to the Milwaukee Panthers on Friday night.

The Colonials struggled to get going all night, with their closest set only being within five points.

The first set got off to a very even start as both teams traded points back and forth to a 7-7 tie. The following volley would be the night as both teams traded multiple great opportunities, and RMU would come out on top in what felt like a turning point.

The opposite would be the case, however, as the Panthers went on a 13-5 run that would make the score 20-13.

The Panthers would clout the first set by beating the Colonials 25-17.

The second set was similar to the first neet, as the Panthers quickly jumped to a 10-3 lead. The Panther lead would be as large as 12 in the second set when the score reached 19-7.

However, the Colonials would not go quietly, as they would get the Panther lead down to nine at match point.

Abby Ryan serves the ball in the loss vs Milwaukee Friday night (Photo by Malena Kaniuff)

With the score at 24-15, Ally Christman began to lead a one-man comeback. She recorded one kill and three service aces to account for four of the Colonials’ following five points before the Panthers finally closed out the second set, 25-20.

The Colonials would attempt to ride the momentum from their solid play to end the second set into the third set.

They would keep it close early, as the first 10 points were split 6-4 in favor of the Panthers.

As the set went on, the Colonials would match every move the Panthers made, with RMU closing the gap and eventually tying the Panthers on three separate occasions.

In the end, the Panthers would again probe too much for the Colonials, as the set ended 25-17 in favor of Milwaukee.

By the night’s end, Robert Morris would lose to Milwaukee in straight sets.

The Colonials are back in action on Saturday evening at the UPMC Events Center at 4 p.m. against Green Bay.