WINCHESTER, Va. - Gallaudet University ventured out of conference here Tuesday night and lost in straight sets to Shenandoah University as the host Hornets women's volleyball team defeated the Bison 23-25, 10-25, 19-25 in the Wilkins Center.

Gallaudet (11-12) jumped out to an early lead in the first set as the Bison scored the game's first three points before Shenandoah (8-10) battled back. GU trailed by five, 16-21, before freshman Kelley Johnson (Wanamingo, Minn.) helped to serve the Bison back into the set. Gallaudet took a brief lead, 22-21, on a Johnson ace before a service error returned the ball to SU. Sophomore middle hitter Karita Lewis (Frederick, Md.) came through with a big kill to push the advantage back into Gallaudet's favor, 23-22. The Hornets went on to score the next three points and secure the first set win.

Shenandoah dominated the second set behind the service game of Emily Fisher (two aces) and Torie Gettier (11 kills, six digs). 

The third set was closer as GU was able to knot the score six times but didn't take the lead except for a brief moment at the start, 3-2.

Lewis finished with 11 kills and 11 digs for a double-double to go with two blocks and one ace. Junior outside hitter Adele Daniels (Frederick, Md.) tallied nine kills and 10 digs. Junior libero Farrah Harmount (Union City, Calif.) made a match-high 20 digs while freshman setter Emma Giuntoli (Austin, Texas) passed out 29 assists. 

Shenandoah received 10 kills and 18 digs from Caylin Harris while Megan Hillyard tallied a double-double with 32 assists and 10 digs. Nicole Shannon added 19 digs while Hannah Lien contributed five kills, seven digs, four assists and two blocks in the win.

BISON TRACKS

• Junior outside hitter Tessa Lewis (Frederick, Md.) added six kills and eight digs
• Senior middle hitter Shua Clay (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) made two blocks and four kills
• Johnson made one of GU's five aces
• GU had double the amount of attack errors compared to SU, 24-12

UP NEXT
Gallaudet returns home to host Goucher College (9-12) on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in a non-conference match.