Robert Morris (3-3) traveled across town to face off against city rival, Duquesne (5-1), in the final game of the Chick fil-A Robinson Classic.
After playing two matches yesterday between Coppin state and Niagara each, RMU looked to get another one in the win column and end the classic with a 2-1 record.
RMU came out of the gate slow to start the match, falling behind early. The Dukes forced RMU to use both of their timeouts before ultimately taking the first set by a score of 20-13. RMU would close the set with 8 errors, 12 kills, and a total of 42 attacks.
In the second Robert Morris needed to create some more momentum and get a string of points going. RMU had a small net front presence compared to the Friday morning matchup versus Coppin State.
After keeping it close for the early stages of the second set the Duquesne Dukes would go on a run of six straight points to make the score 17-11. The second set would go to the Dukes as well 25-18, RMU only having 7 kills, 5 errors and 2 blocks. The Colonials would have 28 total attacks in the second set.
The third set would be the set of the match. The Colonials would set up their game playing better. The set break would prove to be important as RMU would come out with more energy and would take a 12-8 lead halfway through.
The two teams would continue to go back and forth makeing for some fantastic volleyball. The Dukes would go up 24-21 and then RMU would go on a string of three straight points to save the match.
With the match tied each team would continue to share points. Duquesne with two match points would have two service errors which would give RMU life in the match. With the score tied up at 30, RMU would win the next two points and take the third set.
In the fourth set the Dukes would get out to an early lead 8-3 and then 11-4. The Colonial’s communication or lack their of would continue to kill them. But after a time out RMU would pick up 7 out of 9 points, leaving them with in reach of the Dukes.
But Duquesne would take the fourth set by a score of 25-21.
The Colonials will be back on the court this Friday to take on Middle Tennessee State. First serve will be at 5:00 p.m.
