MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Elon University volleyball went the distance against both McNeese State and Robert Morris, but came up short against both programs on the first day of the RMU Sheraton Invitational Friday, Aug. 30 at the UPMC Events Center.

"It is tough when we give ourselves the opportunity to win both matches today, but come out on the short end both times," said head coach Mary Tendler. "We need to find a way to make plays at crucial times and I know that will happen. I liked that our team improved immensely throughout the day and we got to see a couple of different lineups. We look forward to competing against Manhattan tomorrow."
 
McNeese State 3, Elon 2 | 13-25, 30-28, 25-20, 23-25, 7-15
THE RUNDOWN
The Cowgirls (1-0) scored the first two points of the opening set and never surrendered the lead. After a Nori Thomas kill helped close the gap 11-9, McNeese pulled away with eight unanswered. Ahead 20-13, the royal blue and gold then closed out with a 5-0 run.

Set two was back-and-forth, featuring 16 ties and five lead changes. With McNeese ahead 28-27, consecutive kills by Leah Daniel and a McNeese attack error allowed Elon to pull even in the match at 1-1.

The Phoenix (0-2) established an early 6-2 edge in the third set, but the Cowgirls responded with a 6-0 run of their own. Down 16-13, Elon came out of a timeout determined as Elizabeth Coil ignited a five-point spurt. A pair of Isabella Seman service aces highlighted another 6-0 run by the Phoenix as the team went up 2-1 with a 25-20 decision.

Elon was in control 11-6 early in set four, but the Cowgirls fought back to tie the score at 15-15. Another pair of kills from Daniel put the Phoenix on top 20-18, but McNeese answered with a 6-1 swing. Consecutive errors made it interesting at 24-23, but McNeese was able to score the set point and force a fifth set.

While Elon benefited from a service error to begin the decisive set, the Cowgirls took over and did not let off the gas pedal. The visitors on the scoreboard used a 7-1 run en route to a 15-7 tally and the match win.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
Kellyn Trowse recorded an 11-kill, 10-dig double-double in the loss. Thomas scored 18-of-30 attacks (.400) to lead the Phoenix on offense, while Daniel contributed 10 kills. Haylie Clark set a new career high with 41 assists, and Seman tallied 15 digs.
 
Robert Morris 3, Elon 2 | 17-25, 25-18, 25-27, 26-24, 7-15
THE RUNDOWN
The nightcap saw the host Colonials (2-0) earn a 25-17 set one victory. A 4-0 run gave Elon its first lead at 10-8, but it was short-lived as the home team earned the next five points. A kill from Trowse to make it 15-12 was as close as Elon would get to RMU.

Down 1-0 for the second time in as many matches, the Phoenix was able to secure set two 25-18. Even at 5-5, consecutive kills by Trowse, Julia Crabtree, and Daniel gave Elon the lead for good. Thomas started another 5-0 run to create some separation, and the senior captain later scored the set point to tie the match at 1-1.

Neither team could create any separation in set three. After trading points multiple times down the stretch and challenges by both sides, Elon had a chance to pull ahead as a Trowse kill made it 23-22. However, RMU wouldn't go away and the Colonials finally garnered consecutive points for their second match point.

With yet another late advantage, Elon itself ahead 22-20 after a pair of Daniel kills. RMU again showed its resolve, though, and tied the set at 22-22 and 23-23. After Elon won its challenge on a Trowse score, the Colonials again got an attack to find the hardwood. The maroon and gold were able to crack the RMU defense, however, as a Thomas kill and a Kodi Garcia ace sent the Phoenix to another fifth set.

Elon's opponent again came out fast in set five as the Colonials built a 7-1 advantage. The Phoenix couldn't recover, and RMU grabbed the match win with a 15-7 final.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
After totaling two double-doubles as a freshman, Trowse recorded her second in as many matches to start the 2019 season. Garcia and Clark also reached double-digit saves and digs, while Daniel set a new career high with 21 kills. Newcomers Jenn Krzeminski and Jordan Gower chipped in five blocks and 13 digs, respectively.
 
UP NEXT
Elon rounds out its opening weekend at the RMU Invitational with a 2:30 p.m. match against Manhattan (0-1) Saturday afternoon, Aug. 31.