Volleyball Falls to Bethany in ECAC Semifinal, 3-0

BETHANY, W.V. - For the second-consecutive season, the Swarthmore College volleyball team's season came to end in the ECAC semifinals against Bethany College, as the Bison defeated the Garnet 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-18) on Saturday morning.

With the loss, the Garnet's season comes to end  with a record of 24-8, equaling the best single season in program history (the 1985 team also finished 24-8).

Playing their final match in a Swarthmore uniform, senior Hillary Santana led the defense with 22 digs and senior Genny Pezzola finished with two kills and seven digs. With her seven digs, Pezzola -- already the program leader in career kills (1,374) -- ends her illustrious career second all-time in career digs (1,549), finishing just 11 shy of the record.

Sophomore  Brone Lobichusky led the Garnet attack with seven kills on the day, followed closely by sophomore Maggie Duszyk (6). Junior Allison Coleman finished the match with 16 assists.

It was a tough day from the get-go for the Garnet, as the host Bison (30-6) jumped to a quick 2-0 lead following convincing 25-16 and 25-11 set victories. Swarthmore fought back and was much more competitive in the third set, but Bethany pulled away late for the 25-18 win.

With the win, Bethany advances to its second-consecutive ECAC South Regional final.