Boston, MA- The Fisher College Falcons (14-11) took on their second opponent in as many days taking on the Simmons Sharks (14-12) in a crosstown battle.
Simmons jumped out to a quick start in the first set, with a 6-2 lead before the Falcons were able to establish momentum. A service error by the Sharks followed up by some solid strikes from freshman Yeryvel Catala, Gurabo, PR (10 Kills and 4 Digs) helped push the Falcons to within a point. Fisher tried to match Simmons but ultimately were unable to overcome the searing services of the Sharks falling, in the first set, 16-25.
Simmons looked to keep the attack rolling through the second set, again jumping out to a quick lead. Solid contact by freshman Chyna Carter, Avondale, AZ, (7 Kills and 5 Digs) and sophomore Lia Aime, Las Peidras, PR, (13 Assists and 10 Digs) helped the game quickly tie back up at 5-5. The set moved into a back and forth rally with each team grabbing a few points before returning service across the net. A serve by Simmons' Julie Fusco had the Sharks at a more comfortable 5 point lead when senior Natie Manalo, San Francisco, CA, (7 Assists and 10 Digs) took aim with the score at 15-20. After scoring an aggressive kill for Carter to make it 16-20, the Sharks regained control and held on to close out the set 16-25.
The Falcons, trying to avoid being blanked by the Sharks, battled tough and tight in the third set. Even with their quick play on the court Simmons continued to extend the point differential. Manalo and Carter, prepared to lead the team back into the fight, began to close the gap. Faith Gray Williams' service for the Sharks again pushed the lead out to 9 points before Catala was able to stem the tide. In the end the swinging Sharks closed out the set 15-25, sweeping in straight sets.
The Falcons look to get back on track tomorrow night as the team takes on the host Lesley University Lynx (5-17) at 7pm at Medford High School.