NOVA's Cassandra Dasch (left) and Norma Casey attempt to block a Catonsville shot at the net.

The NOVA women’s volleyball team lost its match to the match-experienced Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville team by a game score of 3-1 on the night of Oct. 8, at the Ernst Center on NOVA’s Annandale campus. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to some exciting plays, occasional long rallies and some searing smashes at the net.

NOVA’s coach Marcus Robinson thought that the team “lacked focus” and always seemed to be a step behind Catonsville and needed to duplicate Catonsville’s faster pace.

This seemed to be a main factor in the loss. As in every game, Catonsville stepped out to an early lead.

In game one, Catonsville took an 11-4 lead before NOVA called a timeout. NOVA regained some composure and cut the lead to 14-13, but Catonsville went on to win easily, 25-17, outscoring NOVA 11-4.

In the second game, Catonsville went out to a 6-2 early lead in the most exciting game of the evening. NOVA came back to lead 15-9, but Catonsville fought back for a 20-18 lead. NOVA then took command and scored seven points in a row to even the match at a game apiece, as the last attempted Catonsville kill went over the back line.

This game left the match’s outcome in doubt, but Catonsville met the challenge by jumping out to a quick 12-3 lead in game three and easily won 25-12.

In the fourth game, NOVA came back early to tie 3-3, but Catonsville powered to an 18-7 lead before NOVA called timeout. NOVA came out stronger, but it was too late as a long NOVA serve gave the fourth game and the match to Catonsville 25-14.

For NOVA Zoie Seay, Norma Casey, Nikelle Willis and Cassandra Dasch all played strong games at the net.

With the loss, NOVA fell to 4-2 on the season. Catonsville improved to 6-13 overall but is 5-6 in its conference.

By: Arch Scurlock

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