Set Down Step Up: Bobcats Defeated

The Frostburg State University (FSU) volleyball season came to an end this past Tuesday, Oct. 30 in the in the opening round of the 2018 Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Tournament against York College.

The Bobcats finished their season with an 11-23 overall record, battling the Spartans (20-8) in a five-set loss on Tuesday night.

Although the Bobcats defeated York 3-0 on Oct. 13, the Spartans sought revenge in order to advance to the CAC semifinals.

“I was a bit upset with the loss to York because we had beaten them earlier in the season,” said Junior Ashante Corey-Bey.

The Spartans took an early lead after winning the first set 25-22. Frostburg then rallied from a 1-0 deficit in set two, 25-20, but failed to carry that momentum into the third set, losing 26-24.

Staring elimination in the face, the Bobcats responded by matching their 25-20 game-two win in the fourth set. However, the FSU’s comeback lost steam in the fifth and final set, falling short to the Spartans 15-7.

Overall, FSU had 46 kills, paired with 42 assists, 86 digs, seven blocks, and five aces. First-year Haley Altemus led the Bobcats with 13 kills, while juniors Biambi Tshitenge and Bailey Godlove had 12 a piece. Corey-Bey set up six blocks, while junior Katie Onyundo posted 39 assists. Junior Cori Smothers led the Bobcats with 23 digs, Altemus with 19 digs, and Junior Hannah Brown with 14 digs.

“Overall our season was definitely a learning process. We went through growing pains associated with being a young team,” remarked Corey-Bey.  The Bobcats fought through a (11-23) season, opening up many opportunities for their first-year players, giving them the chance to play and grow.

“This season was very interesting, it was a great experience for our freshman and we got to see everyone’s talents on the court,” said Tshitenge.

The Bobcats will go into the 2019 season losing zero seniors and returning an experienced 2018 team heading into Division II play. “I’m proud of the work we did adjusting and trying to ensure our success in the upcoming years,” Corey-Bey said.