NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - In the first home match of the 2018 season, Penn State New Kensington women's volleyball was defeated by Carlow University in straight sets. The Celtics prevailed 25-15, 25-12, and 25-11, improving to 3-5. With the setback, the Lions now have a mark of 1-2.

The Lions, who were limited to just six healthy players, struggled with their attack throughout the match. To that point, New Kensington compiled 13 kills, but committed 15 hitting errors. Conversely, the Celtics accumulated 28 kills, and made only 13 errors. The service line was another area of disparity, as Carlow produced 17 aces, while Penn State New Kensington notched three.

Sophomore outside hitter Brittany Kotvas (Pittsburgh, Pa/Plum) paced New Kensington with six kills and two service aces, while fellow sophomore Kaylea Flick (Murrysville, PA/Franklin Regional) added five kills. Sophomore setter Lindsey Hessom (Leechburg, Pa/Kiski Area) contributed a team-best six assists, while senior Cora Rejniak (Gibsonia, Pa/Deer Lakes) added five helpers. Freshman defensive specialist Erin Tumas (Vandergrift, Pa/Kiski Area) led Penn State New Kensington with eight digs.

For Carlow, Michaela Koran produced a game-high eight kills, as well as seven assists and five aces. Meanwhile, Cache Street added six kills and two solo blocks, Jenna Albert dished out 11 assists, Mariah Lomire chipped in with six aces, and Mandy Toman had eight digs.

Penn State New Kensington returns to action on Thursday, when the Lions open Penn State University Athletic Conference play. The home contest against Penn State Mont Alto begins at 7 p.m.