STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Lady Barons made vast improvements against second-time opponent Muskingum despite losing in straight sets 14-25, 22-25, and 18-25. The Lady Barons also lost to Muskingum in straight sets during the Wooster Kilt Classic tournament over the weekend. Both teams overall played much better volleyball the second time around even though the results were similar.

"We played well. Muskingum played better, and Muskingum is the better team right now," Head Coach Kelly Hermann said. "We played better than we did over the weekend, and that's the goal. We're headed in the right direction."

The Lady Barons offense improved tremendously, with good offensive production from junior outside hitter Dani Link and sophomore middle hitter Ana Tolkach with seven kills each. Sophomore middle hitter Ellie Waldsmith also had a good night with four kills to keep the Lady Barons in a close second set.

"Dani played really well today," Hermann said. "Her serve receive was fabulous tonight, great passing in serve receive. She played particularly well."

Hermann remarked on the strong performance of all of her outside hitters, especially on defense. Freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist Faith Laidley had a good overall match with two kills and seven digs. Laidley came in during the second set to provide the defense that the Lady Barons needed to stay close with Muskingum.

"Faith came in and played absolutely tremendous defense," Hermann said. "One of the things that surprised us in that third game especially was Faith blocking. She's a little girl. She really was blocking some balls."

The freshmen players proved to be an important part in the Lady Baron's gameplan, with freshman outside hitter Ave Palguta earning her first start of the season. Palguta earned the start by having the highest hitting percentage on the team coming into the match.

"She is the most efficient hitter right now," Hermann said. "We have to have her on the court to hit."

Seniority also provided some stability for the Lady Barons as senior right hitter Jackie Zucco made her presence known on the court. Hermann said that she wanted to give her seniors a chance to beat Muskingum, a team the Lady Barons have not beaten before.

"Jackie is just steady. She's somebody that the girls around her always have confidence in her because she's so solid, so emotionally steady, so confident," Hermann said. "When I call her name, she is always ready and willing to come in. She'll always outwork anybody on the court."

The Lady Barons look to end their current losing streak on the road against Geneva College on September 18 at 7 pm.