ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College volleyball team began its 2024 schedule with a four-set loss to Carthage, 25-16, 21-25, 25-13, 25-20 at Hamline University as a part of the St. Paul Tournament Friday afternoon. First year outside hitter Ella Cohen-Richie (Chicago, Ill./Univ. of Chicago Laboratory Schools) had nine kills in her first collegiate match to lead the Scots.

After a slow start in the first set, Macalester fought back in the second set to tie the match at 1-1. Trailing 21-20, the Scots used a pair of service aces by first year defensive specialist Elizabeth Joo (San Jose, Calif./Valley Christian) to tally the final five points for a 25-21 win. Cohen-Richie put away four kills in the set, while sophomore middle blocker Sydney Stratton (North Liberty, Iowa/Liberty) had two blocks. In the third set the Scots came up short, 25-13 before battling in the fourth set. The score remained close throughout, with Carthage closing out the match by scoring five of the final six points for a 25-20 win. Senior middle blocker Stephanie Geber (Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo) registered four of Macalester's 10 kills in the set.

Cohen-Richie totaled nine kills and seven digs for the match, while Geber and junior right side Avery Rahe (Olathe, Kan./Olathe West) each contributed seven kills. Senior setter Nicole Norton (Brussels, Wis./Southern Door) delivered 18 assists, while seniors Adisa Preston (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) and Torrance Williams (Houston, Texas/Yes Prep Northbrook) notched nine digs apiece. Stratton and senior middle blocker Grace Galer (Hanover Park, Ill./Schaumburg) bolstered the defense with five and four blocks, respectively.

The Scots play another match at the St. Paul Tournament on Saturday, this time at St. Catherine University. Macalester faces Augustana College at 11:00 a.m. at the Butler Center.