Schenectady, N.Y.--The Bombers (14-12) opened the Union Interleague Challenge with a loss to the host Dutchwomen (12-11), falling 25-21, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13. Senior Rachel Busch (Hoover/North Canton, Ohio) and sophomore Kate Thoene (Voorhees/High Bridge, N.J.) eachhad 21 kills, a new career-high for both and the highest total for any Bomber this season.

Ithaca took a 5-0 lead to open the fifth set, but the Dutchwomen rallied to within a point at 9-8 and eventually tied the score at 13. Union took the final three points of the set to seal the match victory.

The Bombers played the Dutchwomen to a 6-6 tie in the second set after dropping the opener. Ithaca scored five straight points with sophomore Elizabeth Previte (Hunterdon/Flemnington, N.J.) serving to take control of the set. Previte had four of Ithaca's nine aces in the match. The Bomber held off a late Union rally to tie the match at one set apiece.

Union jumped out to early leads of 9-4 and 15-8 in the third set. Ithaca claimed the lead on a 13-4 run, and allowed Union to score consecutive points just once more in the set. Juniors Tina Orlandini (Flintridge Sacred Heart/Altadena, Calif.) and Taylor Horton (Lakeridge/Lae Oswego, Ore.) picked up aces to bookend the Bomber run.

The Bombers nearly rallied to take the fourth set. Down by four at 17-13, Ithaca scored five straight points--including three on Busch kills--to take a 18-17 lead. Union scored the next point, however, and would not trail again for the remainder of the set.

Senior Corinna Doctor (Skaneateles/Skaneateles) tallied 50 assists in the match, adding 13 digs. Orladini had a team-high 19 digs.

Ithaca continues play with an 8 p.m. match against Potsdam.

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