RADNOR, PA – The Cabrini volleyball team sent its seniors out on a high note tonight, as the Cavaliers closed their shortened 2020-21 campaign with a 3-1 (25-23, 24-26, 25-15, 25-14) win over Neumann at Nerney Field House.

Sophomore Hannah Dalton led the Cabrini (1-1) attack with 15 kills and six digs, while senior Steph Judkins closed her career with a 14 kill and seven digs performance. Both also tallied two blocks and a service ace each.

Freshman Taylor Downing posted a double-double with 20 assists and 10 digs to go with a pair of service aces, while junior Gina Custer posted a match high 26 digs. Freshman Morgan Mendick chipped in with 11 digs.

Neumann built and early 7-2 lead in the opening set and held a seemingly comfortable 17-11 advantage midway through the opening set. Trailing 21-16, the Cavaliers began their comeback.

Cabrini scored six of the next seven points to even the score at 22 before a Blue and White attack error put the Knights ahead. A Dalton kill again leveled the score at 23, before a double block by Judkins and freshman Lilyanna Baynum gave the Cavaliers set point, which Mendick won with an ace.

The Cavaliers recorded five consecutive points midway through the second set, turning an evenly played frame into one that the home team led 18-10. But like Cabrini in the first set, the Knights
rallied late.

Neumann battled back to pull within 22-21 but a Baynum kill and Neumann attack error put the Cavaliers on the cusp of takin a two sets to none lead, but the Blue and White could not hold its advantage. The Knights took advantage of three late Cabrini errors to rally for a 26-24 win.

Cabrini regained its confidence in the third set, scoring the first three points. The lead swelled to 9-3 and the Cavaliers never looked back. While Neumann pulled to within 10-8, Cabrini responded with a 10-2 run, as a Dalton ace gave Cabrini a 20-10 advantage.

This time, the Cavaliers did not let the visitors climb back into the set, as the Blue and White completed the 25-15 victory.

Cabrini carried its momentum in the fourth set, as Custer served the home side to nine consecutive points and an early 10-2 lead. Once again, the Knights never found their footing.

Leading 23-14 late in the set, it was only fitting the seniors recorded Cabrini's final two points. Sophomore Melanie Cotes-Rivera found Judkins for her final kill of the night, before junior Jordan Shemonski punctuated her final home appearance with a service ace.

Freshman Regan Hickey led the Knights (1-2) with 14 kills, while sophomore Catie Essinger recorded 32 assists and eight digs.

Prior to the match, the Cavaliers honored their two May graduates, Judkins and Shemonski. Together, the dup has combined for nearly 1,500 kills, more than 950 digs, 100 aces and 120 total blocks. 

They have led the Blue and White to 67 victories, including three postseason appearances, one NCAA tournament appearance and the 2017 CSAC championship.