JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's volleyball faced non-conference opponent St. Joseph's University (Brooklyn) on Thursday, falling in straight sets (25-8, 25-20, 25-11) inside York College Gymnasium. 
The game started out promising for York, as led by Ellma Hodzic's power, the Cardinals got out to a 4-3 lead. Hodzic obtained her first career kill in the first set. The Bears buckled down though, taking 22 of the following 26 points to win the opening set. 

The Bears jumped out to a 19-9 lead in the second stanza. However, playing some quality points, the Cardinals got back in contention, cutting the score to 23-20. They utilized their grit and forced the Bears into difficult situations during their 11-4 burst, before falling 25-20. 

"The run in game two was an indication of what this team is capable of when they work together. Coach Mario and I have been trying to change the culture by instilling more confidence and trust, not just in one another but in us as their coaches. Our motto is FAMILY and we are creating that more and more each day. "OHANA.'"-said head coach Christy Herring

St. Joseph's won the third set wire to wire. York registered highly-competitive points in the period, including kills by Hodzic, Shamonie Miller, and Andrea Wright, but the Bears never allowed a rally to persist for more than two points. 

During the encounter, Miller paced the Cardinals with four kills, six digs, an improved .214 hitting percentage to go along with two aces. Hodzic added on two kills and six digs of her own, and she registered York's season-best 22 attacks. Cherub Autar continued her steady presence as a setter, tallying ten assists. 

"Ellma's debut proved to be a confidence booster for the team. She contributed not just in skill but in her steady presence. This allowed our team to play their roles more efficiently."-Herring added.

A steady trio of Martina Urgo, Autumn Poppett, and Rachel Meltsin guided St. Joseph's. Urgo had game-highs in points (13) and kills (9). Rachel Meltsin led the match in assists (22) and digs (9). Lastly, Poppett totaled five attacks and three kills. 

The Bears led the Cardinals in aces (13-5), assists (25-11), kills (28-11), and digs (29-22). 

The Cardinals (0-6) travel Saturday (Sept. 24) to Centenary University's (New Jersey) campus for a doubleheader against the Cyclones (1-5) beginning at 11 a.m. inside John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center.

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