Gophers Sweep Cairn on Road

LANGHORNE, Pa. - The Goucher College women's volleyball team traveled to Cairn University Saturday and came up with a 3-0 sweep of the Highlanders at Mason Activity Center.  Set scores were 25-13, 25-17, 25-10.

• Goucher (4-7) jumped out to a 8-2 lead in the first after a Nicole Kovach (New York, N.Y./Quest to Learn) kill and a Cairn (2-8) attack error.
• The Highlanders got within five four times before four straight points capped by a Necole Stravino (Quezon City, Philippines/Nadua (Va,)) service ace made it 19-9.
• Cairn scored four straight points to make it 19-13 before the Gophers scored the final six points of the set, with a Neli La Court Ruiz (York, Pa./Northeastern) service ace closing things out.

• The Highlanders scored four straight points to build a 9-6 lead.
• Goucher countered with 10 straight points to build a 16-9 advantage following a block by Kovach and Elizabeth Bobo (Milford, Pa. / Delaware Valley)
• Rachel Chapman (Rochester, N.Y./Churchville Chili) had three kills during the run.
• Cairn got within 23-17 but a kill and a service ace by Kaya Melchor (Mililani, Hawaii/Kamehameha Schools Kapalama) put Goucher ahead 2-0.

• The Gophers took control with nine straight points with Melchor serving to take a commanding 16-4 lead.
• Chapman had a pair of kills during the run.
• The guests had the final three points of the match via a set error, a Cairn attack error and a La Court Ruiz service ace to end the match.

• Chapman hit .526 and had a team-best 11 kills, while Melchor finished with nine kills and eight digs.
• Bobo hit .313 and recorded seven kills and three blocks (one solo).
• Kovach recorded 30 assists as the Gophers hit .250, their best output of the season.
• La Court Ruiz posted 12 digs.
• Goucher finished with 12 service aces, with La Court Ruiz, Melchor and Stravino each recording three.
• The Gopher defense limited Cairn to -.042 hitting as the Highlanders finished with a negative hitting percentage in two of three sets.

• Goucher returns home on Wednesday, September 29, when it hosts Gallaudet in a 7 pm match at the Decker Sports and Recreation Center.