(Selinsgrove, Pa.) – The Dickinson volleyball team endured a tough start to the Susquehanna Invitational. A flat tire on the bus led to the Red Devils missing the start time of their opening round match with Lycoming College. The match was rescheduled to 4:00 pm, but Dickinson was assessed a two-set penalty, going into the match. The final ruling may be a no-contest for the match other than for tournament standings.

The Red Devils turned in a valiant performance, looking to fight their way back into the match before falling, 31-29. Senior Joanna De Castro (Far Hills, N.J./West Morris Mendham) led all hitters with five kills while sophomore Emily Smith (Victor, N.Y./Victor) added kills an ace and a block in the set while classmate Jenn Morrissey (Rockville, Md./Good Counsel) handed out 13 assists.

In the nightcap, the Red Devils opened a two set lead on Allegheny College, but the Gators would rally to take the final three sets. Dickinson pulled in front with (25-21, 25-19) decisions. The Gators rallied to win the third set, 25-20, and survived a tightly contested fourth, 25-23.

Allegheny carried the momentum into the final set and to a 15-9 tie-breaker, taking the match, 3-2. More details to follow.

The Red Devils slip to 1-5 on the season, keeping sets close in every match. They return to action on Saturday, facing Haverford College and Morrisville State (NY).