ARLINGTON, VA – After nearly 500 days, the Cabrini volleyball team returned to competition this evening, as the Cavaliers faced Marymount University in the first of its two matches this spring.

After falling behind two sets to none, the Blue and White rallied in the third before succumbing to the Saints 3-1.

Senior Steph Judkins paced the Cavaliers with 11 kills and nine digs, while junior Hannah Dalton added nine kills and five blocks. Freshman Taylor Downing stuffed the stat sheet with 17 assists, 11 digs and six kills in her collegiate debut.

Junior Lexi Conte fell just short of the double-double with 13 assists and eight digs, while classmate Gina Custer added a team-high 15 digs. Freshmen Lilyanna Baynum and Allison Clarke combined for five kills and six blocks.

The Saints tallied the first four points of the match, but the Cavaliers rallied. But leading 13-11, Marymount scored eight of the next 10 points to establish a 21-13 lead en route to a 25-19 victory in the opening frame.

The second set was played within just a couple of points, but the Blue and White could never grab a lead. Trailing 21-20 late in the set, a Cabrini service error extended the home side's cushion before an Elissa Munsterman kill gave Marymount the advantage it needed to earn a 25-22 second set win.

Set number three was yet another tight affair, featuring eight ties and slim leads by both teams. The final deadlock came at 21-21. A Marymount attack error put Cabrini ahead before a Clarke service ace put the Cavaliers ahead 23-21. The lead swelled to three points on a double-block by Dalton and Baynum. The home team responded with back to back points before a Dalton kill handed the visitors the 25-22 set win.

Cabrini grabbed an early lead in the fourth set, but leading 4-3, the Saints went on an 8-1 run to seize control of the frame. The Blue and White never regained its footing, as Marymount closed the match with a 25-11 win in the fourth set.

Munstermann led the Saints (3-1) with 21 kills and 16 digs, while Sydney Sands added 29 assists and 16 digs. Jasmine Roy earned match-high honors with 18 digs.

The Cavaliers will return to action next Wednesday, when they celebrate Senior Night with a visit from Neumann University (0-1). First serve is slated for 7pm at Nerney Field House.