(Story courtesy of Trinity University)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Tiger volleyball team opened up its part in the NCAA Playoffs with a 3-0 loss against Juniata College on Friday afternoon at Christopher Newport University. Box Score | Press Conference
Trinity fell to 20-16 with the loss, and it marks the first time in school history that the Tigers have lost in the first round of the regional tournament. Trinity was previously 7-0 in the first round, but lost 25-15, 25-16, 25-8 in Friday's match.
Layne Hubbard led the team with six kills against Juniata, while Kelsey Daniel finished with five kills. Daniel also led the team in both service aces and blocks, picking up two of each.
Maryn Swierc finished with a team-best 16 assists, adding seven digs and a block in the defeat. Mia Mineghino led the defense with nine digs, while Meredith Erwin finished with four digs. Hubbard and Leslie Green chipped in with three digs each as well.
Trinity received an at-large bid to the NCAA Playoffs, after finishing second at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament for the second straight season. It was the first appearance in the playoffs for the Tigers since the 2009 season - also ending with a loss to Juniata, though that came in the NCAA Quarterfinals.
