BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 7, 2011) – C.W. Post volleyball began its conference play in between tournament play tonight, dropping a tough match to the conference preseason selected number one team Dowling 3-0 (17-25, 24-26, 20-25). Sophomore Makamae Namahoe (Hilo, Hawaii) led the Pioneers with 10 kills and two service aces. 

 

The first set remained close, with the score in favor of the Golden Lions 20-18. The Lions then went on a 5-0 run to end the first set to take the victory. Maja Potpara accounted for two assists and two blocks in the 5-0 spurt, tallying a total of seven assists during the entire first set. Namahoe kept the Pioneers in the mix with four of her kills during this first set. 

 

The next set was even more competitive than the first, with neither team able to hold a lead of more than three points during the game. The score managed to be tied at 24 a side towards the end of the set, however, Dowling was able to sneak out the victory with a quick two points off attacking kills. Bethany Shepard put down seven kills for Dowling during the set to help earn the victory. Sophomore Shayla Hixson (Honolulu, Hawaii) almost helped C.W. Post take the second set with four kills.

 

Cassy Kelly's four kills in the third set propelled Dowling to a set and match victory over the Pioneers. Potpara controlled the defensive side for the Golden Lions as she accumulated eight digs to help stop many Pioneers attacks.

 

Overall for Dowling, Kelly fell one kills shy of a double-double as she finished with nine kills and 10 digs. Potpara was a key contributor on both sides of the ball with 27 assists and 15 digs. Shepard led the team in kills with 11. The Golden Lions move to 3-1 overall on the season, with 1-0 conference match.

 

Hixson fell short of her own double-double for the Pioneers as she had nine each in both kills and digs. Freshman Kaiulani Kaalekahi (Waimanaio, Hawaii) paced the C.W. Post offense with 31 assists.

 

C.W. Post drops to 1-3 on the year, as well as starting out 0-1 in the ECC. The Pioneers will be looking to turn things around this week at the West Chester Tournament, with play set to begin on Friday.