Neumann takes second at 3rd Annual Defender Invitational :: Rachael Sokolovich and Kristen Gregg-Verone selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Rachael Sokolovich and Kristen Gregg-Verone selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Sept. 9, 2006

Clark Summit, Pa-The women's volleyball team traveled to Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania to participate in the 3rd Annual Defender Invitational, hosted by Baptist Bible College. Six teams competed in a round-robin pool-play women's volleyball tournament with Houghton College (Houghton, NY) claiming 1st Place, going 3-0 in competition and Neumann College taking 2nd with a 2-1 record. Both teams placed first in their pool to advance to the championship game.

In their first match of the day, the Knights took on Baptist Bible downing the tournament hosts in four games 27-30, 30-15, 30-20, and 30-20. Julia Tarloski (Malvern, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) led the offensive attack with 15 kills and 2 errors on 30 attempts. The sophomore middle hitter also combined with first-year middle hitter Emilee Gruse (Lafayette, In. /St. Mark's), for a season high 8 solo blocks. Gruse also added 10 kills on 21 attempts for a .381 hitting percentage.

Next, the Neumann Knights took on St. Elizabeth College. The Knights walked away with a 3-0 win with scores of 30-13, 30-16, and 30-16. Meghan Wilson (West Chester, Pa. /Bishop Shanahan) and Julia Tarloski paced the Knights with 12 kills each, followed by Lindsay Buckland (Middletown, De. /Caravel Academy) with seven. Freshmen Chrystina Amelotti (Folsom, Pa. /Ridley) was sharp on the defensive with five digs, while Alyssa Brigg (Rosemont, Pa. /Archbishop Carroll) added four digs.

Coming out of their pool with a perfect 3-0 record, Neumann then advanced onto the Championship match against Houghton College. Despite a gallant effort by the Knights, Neumann succumbed to their opponents falling in a close, three game series 31-29, 30-23 and 30-20. Rachael Sokolovich (Media, Pa. /Ridley) and Gruse hit for 13 and 5 kills respectfully, while Kristen Gregg-Verone (Folsom, Pa. /Cardinal O'Hara) added 31 assists.

At the conclusion of the day the Knights received the 2nd Place Trophy and Rachael Sokolovich and Kristen Gregg-Verone were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Next up, the Neumann Knights will travel to Annville, Pennsylvania to compete in the Lebanon Valley Tournament on September 15.