Springfield, Mass. - August 30, 2024 - In a clash of two of the top programs in the country, the Springfield College women's volleyball team dropped a three-set match to Ithaca College to open up the 2024 season and the Joel B. Dearing '79 Volleyball Classic in Blake Arena on Friday afternoon.

The Bombers, who entered the season ranked 18th in the AVCA Division III Preseason Poll moved to 1-0, while the Pride, which was also receiving votes in the poll, dipped to 0-1.

The middle combination of Maeve Voltz (Bay Shore, N.Y.) and Jodi Saelua (Mililani, Hawaii) were impressive, producing 16 kills at a .433 clip to go along with seven blocks, while Kristen DeLorenzo (Syracuse, N.Y.) made her Springfield debut with a team-best 10 digs. Tori Colosimo (Fairport, N.Y.) was credited with 32 assists, eight digs, four kills, and three blocks in the setback. 

Springfield took a 7-5 lead early in the match when Riley Donahue (South Windsor, Conn.) put away an overpass, only to have the Bombers respond with a 9-5 push to force the Pride into a timeout. Facing a 21-19 deficit, Springfield used a 3-1 spurt capped off by a stuff block from Voltz to even things up at 22 as Ithaca called for a timeout of their own.  Out of the break, the visitors got a sideout kill down the line before back-to-back Springfield hitting errors concluded the frame at 25-22. 

The Pride seized a 9-4 advantage in the second when Colosimo and Saelua combined for a block on the pin coming out of an Ithaca timeout.  A kill from Natalie Billet (Commack, N.Y.) allowed the Pride's cushion to sit at 16-14, but the Bombers would take advantage of five Springfield errors as part of a 5-0 burst to own a 19-16 edge en route to the 25-22 win. 

The third set featured 16 ties and seven lead changes, with the Pride seemingly in control late leading 21-18 on a swing from Billet.  However, Ithaca again used a late push, this time a 5-1 burst to snag a 23-22 lead.  After Colosimo responded with a solo block to even things for the final time, Springfield tallied consecutive hitting errors to conclude the match. 

For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events by subscribing to FloSports.