KINGS POINT, N.Y.- The Hunter College women's volleyball team stepped out of conference play Thursday evening, falling to Merchant Marine in three sets at Liebertz Gym.
The Hawks (2-4) stayed within reach early in the opening set before Merchant Marine (9-1) began to create separation. Hunter recorded nine kills in the frame but was unable to overcome the deficit, dropping the first set, 25-16.
Hunter struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the second set. The Hawks were held to two kills in the frame as Merchant Marine took a 2-0 advantage with a 25-14 win.
The Purple and Gold responded with their strongest offensive performance of the night in the third. Hunter recorded 13 kills and hit .171 in a back-and-forth set that featured 10 ties and four lead changes. The Hawks continued to battle before Merchant Marine pulled away late for a 25-18 victory to close out the match.
River Sutch led the Hunter attack with seven kills while adding six digs. Melissa Alfaro turned in an efficient performance with five kills on nine attempts without an error, hitting a team-best .556 while also adding two block assists. Michelle Liu and Kassidy Cruz Nuesi chipped in four kills apiece, with Cruz Nuesi adding a pair of service aces.
Sofia Marolla directed the offense with 18 assists and added five digs and two block assists. Maya Cosmo anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 12 digs while adding a service ace, and Arianna Calderon Jimenez contributed seven digs and three kills.
Hunter finished the night with 24 kills, 20 assists, 36 digs and three service aces. The Hawks move to 2-4 overall while remaining 1-0 in City University of New York Athletic Conference play.
The Hawks return to the court Saturday, Sept. 26, for another nonconference matchup at St. Elizabeth University. First serve is slated for noon.
