Sept. 24, 2006

HAVERFORD - Maritza Fair recorded 17 kills and two service aces to lead Franklin & Marshall to a 3-1 victory (30-22, 30-27, 18-30, 30-28) over Haverford Friday night in Centennial Conference action.

Relying on strong passing and serving, the Dips took control just minutes into the first game. Setter Valerie Pusateri took her team on a 4-0 service run, recording three straight aces in pushing the F&M lead out to 22-14. Haverford fought back to within four at 23-19 but it wasn't enough. F&M called a timeout and ran off a series of strong serves and kills to defeat the home team 30-22.

The Diplomats appeared even more focused in game two, taking the lead early and never looking back. As the strong serving continued, Margot Phelan controlled the defense, digging up almost everything that came her way. The Diplomats ended the game at 30-27 to go up 2-0.

In the third game, the Diplomats allowed the Fords an early 10-5 lead and couldn't battle back. Despite Susan Taylor's four point service runs toward the end, the home squad was able to shut down the F&M defense for their lone win of the night.

The fourth game saw F&M fall behind 10-5 again. Strong serving by Taylor, however, precise passing by Phelan, and hard hitting by Fair allowed F&M to battle back. F&M trailed 22-27 but fought back for the tie at 28-all and went on to win behind a 7-0 service run by Taylor. The match ended on back-to-back kills by Fair.

Taylor ended with 14 kills and three service aces, while Pusateri handed out 36 assists. Defensively, Phelan, Nicole Kushman and Jenna Walck had their best games of the season.