PITTSFORD, NY – The RIT volleyball team (11-11) suffered a three-set loss to host Nazareth College (14-7) on the court of Kidera Gymnasium Wednesday evening. Nazareth won the three sets by scores of 25-17, 25-12, 25-23.
 
Nazareth had 38 kills to 28 for RIT, while both teams had 14 hitting errors. Nazareth took control of the match with the help of 13 service aces.
 
RIT tried to extend the match in the third set, going on a 7-2 run late to take a 22-20 lead. The Tigers would lead 23-21 before Nazareth scored the final four points to seal the match.
 
Sara Taylor (Tonawanda, NY/Kenmore East) led all players in the match with 13 kills, while hitting .440. Taylor Higgins (Peru, NY/Peru) had nine kills and seven digs, while Rebecca Bennett (Springfield, PA/Springfield) led the squad with 10 digs. Erin Parkinson (Carrollton, TX/W.T. White) dished out 24 assists.
 
Madison Joseph led the Golden Flyers with nine kills to go along with seven digs. Melissa Newcomb added eight kills, while Delaney Martin slammed seven. Kelsey Milligan led all players with six services to go along with five kills, while Jessica Barry dished out 28 assists in addition to eight digs. Savannah Bothner led the way with 13 digs and four service aces.
 
"We were very streaky tonight," said RIT head coach Jim Lodes. "Our good play was good enough to compete but there were too many lapses. As we continue to get better at being in the current point, we can become a very good team. We must compete during the whole play and then get ready to move on to the next play with confidence. I look forward to playing at home this weekend to show that we can compete with anyone."
 
The Tigers are back home this weekend, hosting the 29th annual RIT Volleyball Invitational on Friday and Saturday to celebrate the university's Brick City Homecoming & Family Weekend. RIT begins the tournament by hosting The College at Brockport Friday at 5 p.m. Nazareth is also in action at the RIT Invitational this weekend.