Dec. 4, 2009

University Park, Pa.--Army captured the first set but dropped a 3-1 decision to Penn in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Friday at Rec Hall. Penn rallied for a 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16 win over the Black Knights.

Patriot League Setter of the Year Maureen Bannon notched eight digs and eight assists in the Black Knights' first-set victory. Fabiola Castro had two aces and two kills in the opening set, as Army outhit the Quakers, .282 to .140.

Penn rebounded in the following frame, leading the second set from wire to wire. After dropping the first set, the Quakers never trailed in the remaining sets. Penn hit .343 in the second set, compared to a .256 effort by Army. The Quakers took the match lead with a third-set win over the Black Knights. Penn again held an attacking advantage, hitting .343 compared to .121 by Army. Penn's defense continued to control the match in the final set, holding Army to .065 hitting.

"I am extremely proud of our team," said Patriot League Coach of the Year Alma Kovaci. "I thought we played really tough tonight. The result obviously did not go our way, but I thought our players fought hard. They proved that they love this game and they love playing with each other."

In her final collegiate match, Bannon recorded 33 assists and 12 digs. She also assisted three blocks and tallied two kills. Freshman Francine Vasquez hit .346 while notching a team-high 12 kills.

Army closed the season with a 26-6 overall record. The Black Knights finished the year as Patriot League champions, advancing to their first ever NCAA Tournament.