Holy Cross held off Marist in four sets Tuesday night, handing the Red Foxes a loss in a back-and-forth matchup.
Sophomore outside hitter Mallory Reck led Marist with 16 kills and 17.5 points, while sophomore setter Caelyn Dumas recorded 34 assists and 10 digs. Both players entered the match after being named Metro Players of the Week, with Reck earning the offensive honor and Dumas as setter of the week.
Holy Cross came out firing in the opening set, jumping out to an early lead and forcing Marist to play from behind. The Crusaders quickly built an 8-1 advantage and maintained control throughout the frame.
Marist cut into the deficit late, with Reck and junior middle blocker Sarah Bumstead providing kills to keep the Red Foxes within reach. Holy Cross, however, held off the comeback attempt to take the opening set 25-17.
Marist responded quickly in the next period, jumping out to a 5-0 lead behind three early kills from Reck. The Red Foxes maintained their advantage as Dumas helped keep the offense moving, setting up Reck and the rest of the Red Foxes’ hitters for strong attacking opportunities. Holy Cross cut into the lead midway through the set, but Marist answered with another scoring run to take a 20-10 advantage.
The Crusaders made one final push, cutting the deficit to 20-12, but Marist kept them at bay. Reck recorded the final kill in a 25-15 victory, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set brought the closest battle of the match. The teams traded leads throughout the opening half before Holy Cross created some separation. Marist slowly worked its way back into the frame and pulled even at 21. The Red Foxes then took a 24-23 lead, putting themselves in a position to take the set.
Holy Cross answered with a kill to tie the score and regained the lead on the following point. A Marist attack error gave the Crusaders set point, and a subsequent error ended the set at 26-24. Holy Cross took a 2-1 lead in the match, leaving Marist in need of a fourth-set victory.
The Crusaders carried that momentum into the next period, building an early 7-2 lead as Marist struggled to regain the rhythm it had found earlier.
Marist remained within striking distance, with Reck and senior outside hitter Sara Dasic recording kills to help keep the deficit manageable. Holy Cross continued to build its lead and reached the media timeout with a 16-7 advantage.
The Red Foxes responded with a late push, cutting the deficit to 16-12 before Holy Cross regained control. Marist brought the score to 20-15, but the Crusaders scored five of the next six points to close out the match and secure a 3-1 victory.
Up next, Marist will head to Bryant University for the Bryant Invitational. They will play three matches beginning Friday at 1 p.m.
Edited by August Lieberman
Graphic by Xavier Angel
Photo via Marist Athletics
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