GLENSIDE, Pa. – Immaculata women's volleyball had a tough outing on Thursday evening in the second night of a back-to-back, coming up short to the Arcadia University Knights 3-0. This was a "Battle of the Kirchners," as head coach Mary Kirchner faced her daughter, Isabel, who is one of Arcadia's assistant coaches.

The Mighty Macs are 1-2 for the season. Their first AEC game will be on Saturday, Oct. 11 versus Saint Elizabeth.

HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST ARCADIA

• Despite an early advantage for the home team, the Mighty Macs would tie the score 4-4 moments later. Angelica Santini Bulerin saw back-to-back aces to keep Immaculata close. The Mighty Macs stayed within striking distance as Arcadia strengthened their lead. A 6-1 run, capped off with an Adriana Blas ace, tied the set at 24, forcing an "overtime." Even with a crucial kill from Antonia Antolini, the Knights took the first set 28-26.
• Arcadia took command in the second set, scoring the first 10 points. Immaculata won points off kills from Alayah Phifer and Santini Bulerin, but the home squad won the round 25-11.
• A Damani Myers kill halted a 4-0 Knights run in the third set. A 5-0 Mighty Macs outburst put them up 9-7. Multiple Arcadia errors were included in the run. Neither team could find an advantage throughout the set. Immaculata, trying to mount a comeback, came as close as 22-21. However, Arcadia took the last three points of the match, the latter two being on kills. The score was 25-21. Arcadia won the match 3-0.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Emma Hodgson, Mia Esposito, and Antolini led the team with four kills each.
• Santini Bulerin tallied a team-high 11 assists and three aces.
• Adriana Ventura controlled the defense with a team-best eight digs.

UP NEXT
The Mighty Macs host the Bryn Mawr College Owls on Wednesday, Sept. 10. First serve is at 7 p.m.