RADNOR, Pa. -- The Washington & Jefferson College volleyball team dropped a pair of non-conference matches Saturday at the Cavalier Clash, which was hosted by Cabrini University. 

The Presidents opened the day with a 3-0 loss to the host Cavaliers. Later in the day, W&J saw its comeback attempt fall short, as the Red and Black suffered a 3-2 five-set defeat to Swarthmore College. 

Swarthmore 3, W&J 2 (17-25, 13-25, 25-23, 25-23, 3-15)

After dropping the first two sets to The Garnet, the Presidents had their work cut out for them to get themselves back into the match. W&J would grit its way to a 25-23 victory in the third and fourth sets to force a decisive fifth set. The Garnet controlled the fifth set, ripping off the first eight points en route to a 15-3 win to secure the match. 

Sophomore middle hitter Annalise Gillespie (California, Pa./California Area) led W&J with nine kills and a .444 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Haley Nelson (Warren, Pa./Warren) registered eight kills and three blocks, while senior Morgan Jacques (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy) finished with six kills and a team-high five total blocks. Senior setter Mallory O'Brien (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin) tallied 28 assists to help aid the offensive effort. 

Seniors Julia Galbraith (Pittsburgh, Pa./Vincentian Academy) and Makenzie Coughlin (Brunswick, Ohio/Brunswick) finished with 22 digs and 21 digs, respectively. 


Cabrini 3, W&J 0 (20-25, 24-26, 21-25)

W&J competed throughout Saturday's opener against the host Cavaliers of Cabrini. However, the Presidents were unable to record a set victory as they fell in straight sets. 

Senior outside hitter Julia Bernesser (Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler Area) recorded a team-high nine kills against the Cavaliers. O'Brien totaled 22 assists and 13 digs in the setback, while Coughlin and Galbraith finished with 17 digs apiece. 

W&J (1-2) has the week to prepare for the Case Western University Invitational next Friday (Sept. 6) and Saturday (Sept. 7). The Presidents will face Muskingum University, John Carroll University and SUNY Geneseo at the two-day event.

PLEASE NOTE: At the conclusion of the tournament, Coughlin was named to the Cavalier Clash All-Tournament Team.