LANCASTER, Pa. - The Messiah women's volleyball team traveled to Franklin & Marshall to take on the Diplomats. In Friday's matchup it would be the Diplomats defeating the Falcons in three sets (25-20, 25-17, 25-23) knocking the Falcons to 19-7 on the season. Sarah Hart led the Falcons with eight kills in the night, while Cassidy Dell  picked up 13 assists. 

Messiah will face conference opponent, York College, on Wednesday, Nov 1 at home with a 7:00 p.m start time.

How It Happened
The Falcons dropped set one to the Diplomats 25-20. Messiah was competitive early on, keeping the score to within one. Heading into the midway point the Falcons were up 15-13. However, the Diplomats stayed strong, scoring eight out of the next ten points to take a 21-17 lead. Following a Diplomat service error, and two points coming from Chaney Barnhart the Falcons were able to bring the score to 22-20. Unfortunately, the Falcons were not able to follow up those points, as the Diplomats were able  to score the last three points to take the 25-20 set one win. 

Heading into set two, the Diplomats were able to pick up where they left off from set one. Messiah got contributions from Katie Quesenberry, Anna Weldon, and Sarah Hart throughout the set. However, the Diplomats rallied behind multiple runs to control the majority of the second set. The Falcons were able to score points late bringing the score to 22-15. However, it would not be enough as Franklin & Marshall took set two 25-17. 

The third set was not kind for the Falcons, as Franklin & Marshall came out on a seven point unanswered run. After a quick timeout from Holly Mertheral, the Falcons were able to put together some points. Heading into the midway point Messiah was 14-7. However, with help from Emma Swartz, Hart, Weldon, and Feight, the Falcons went on a seven point run to tie the game at 14. From that point on, the remainder of the set was competitive, with neither team giving much ground. The Diplomats responded well, following the Falcon run to regain a 21-16 lead. However, Messiah was not going away quietly as they crept back into the set with points from Feight, Weldon, and multiple Diplomat errors to make the score 21-21. Unfortunately for the Falcons, it would not be enough as the Diplomats edged out Messiah in the third set with a 25-23 victory, sweeping the Falcons 3-0. 

What's Up Next
The Falcons will be back home for a conference matchup against York College Wednesday Nov 1. Start time in this pivotal conference matchup is set for 7:00 p.m in Hitchcock arena.