Raider Volleyball Downs Navy Behind Keala

Submitted by John Gilger

Logan Keala (Kaneohe, Hawaii) led Colgate in kills and digs as the Raiders rallied to down Navy 23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-13 in Patriot League volleyball action, Friday evening, Oct. 2.

Keala collected 12 kills and established a new career high with 16 digs to help Colgate improve to 5-9 overall, 2-1 in league play. The junior’s dig performance bested her former mark of 15 set on August 25, 2008. The Raiders also received nine kills from Kaylee Dougherty (Landisville, Pa.) and eight from Casey Ritt (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

“We came out nervous in the first set and it took us a while to start playing our game,” said Colgate head coach Ryan Baker. “It was a loud crowd and we stayed composed throughout the match. We made some great adjustments to counter Navy’s block.

“Kelsea Loveless was a big factor tonight for us with her tough serving,” continued Baker. “Our middle blockers and defense came up very big. This is a good road win for us against a solid Navy team.”

Meghan Fanta (Hillsboro, Wisc.) dished out 23 assists in the victory to inch closer to eighth on the all-time assist charts in Patriot League history. The senior needs 22 in her next appearance to surpass Bucknell’s Shannon Pitsch. Blaire Safir (Oakland, Calif.) handed out 20 helpers on the evening.

Colgate tallied 10 team blocks on the evening. Dougherty posted seven block assists, while Keala tied her career high with five block assists – also set against Rhode Island in 2008.

Navy, which fell to 5-12 overall and 1-2 in league play, was paced by Maida Kalick’s team high 10 kills.

Colgate returns to action Saturday evening, Oct. 3 at American. Match time is set for 5 p.m. at Bender Gym.

Raider Volleyball Downs Navy Behind Keala

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