RADNOR, PA – The Cabrini volleyball team opened its 2018 home slate in impressive fashion, as the Cavaliers topped the visiting Haverford College Fords 3-0 at Nerney Field House.

The 25-18, 25-16, 25-17 nonconference win improved the Blue and White to 2-5 overall, while the Fords fell to 2-6.

Sophomore Steph Judkins paced the Cavaliers with 17 kills and eight digs, while freshman Hannah Dalton notched nine kills.

Senior Ashley Shannon anchored the defense with 11 digs, while classmate Emily Shannon recorded six kills, 13 assists and five digs. Freshman Amelia Ballard chipped in with 16 assists and six digs.

Early in the opening set, the Cavaliers used an 11-2 spurt to break a 3-3 tie to take control of the opening set. Cabrini led by as many as 11 points on three in the open frame, but the Fords would not go away.

Trailing 23-12, Haverford mounted a late rally, pulling within 24-18 before a kill by junior Katrina Shelly sealed the first set win.

The Cavaliers trailed 9-7 in the second set, but again mounted a 6-1 run to turn the momentum. Minutes later, freshman Gina Custer recorded two of the Blue and White's eight service aces to give Cabrini a commanding 18-13 lead.

The Cavaliers never allowed the Fords to find their footing late in the set, as Cabrini recorded the final four points of the frame to take a 2-0 lead.

In the final set, Cabrini scored five consecutive points to break a 5-5 tie. Minutes later, the Cavaliers embarked on a 9-2 run, extending their lead to 21-11 with a block by Dalton and Emily Shannon.

As in the first set, Haverford would not go down easily, scoring the next five points of the match. A Dalton kill returned the serve and the momentum back in favor of the Blue and White before Emily Shannon closed the night's action with a service ace.  

In addition to their eight service aces, just one off their season high, the Cavaliers also marked a season best with 10 total blocks, including three by Dalton and two each from Emily Shannon and freshman Marie Hamilton.

Freshman Caroline Baldwin led the Fords with seven kills, while junior Sara Matsumura notched 11 digs. The junior also matched freshman Elena Filograna with three service aces.

Cabrini will head to Aston, PA on Friday for the Neumann Knights Invitational, where it will play two matches on Friday and two on Saturday.

The Cavaliers will meet this Haverford club on Friday at 4pm and Scranton (7-3) at 8pm.  Cabrini will face Salisbury (10am) and Moravian (2pm) on Saturday.