King's Point, NY - The University of Mount Saint Vincent was back on the court on Saturday, with the Dolphins looking to rebound in Skyline Conference play on the road against the United States Merchant Marine Academy after a tough five set loss to St. Joseph's University Brooklyn earlier in the week. The Mariners, however, had other plans, topping UMSV in four sets by the scores of 20-25, 15-25, 25-23 and 20-25. 

The Dolphins fell to 7-11 on the season, including a 1-3 record in conference action. 

The result wasn't what the team wanted, but the competitiveness against one of the top teams in the Skyline shows just how far along the program has come from a season ago. 

The Dolphins specifically impressed in the third set. They jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, with junior middle Dominique Otranto leading the way with a pair of kills. The Dolphins would remain on top of USMMA up until the 20th point, when the Mariners clawed back to tie things up. UMSV, however, wouldn't let the comeback deter them. The Dolphins earned the 24th point from an Olivia Dutzer strike while taking advantage of Mariners mistakes throughout the end of the set. 

The new faces once again helped lead the charge. The top three hitters on Saturday afternoon were freshmen Sienna Martin (10) and Anna Nolasco (eight), as well as transfer junior Alyssa Padgett (six), who combined for 24 of the team's 33 kills. First year setter Stephanie Rodriguez had her fingerprints all over the court, picking up 24 assists to go along with 17 digs and a service ace. First year libero Gabrielle Mills led the charge with 18 digs of her own Padgett had a game-high four solo blocks. Otranto and Dutzer had four kills apiece while Jessica Broderick and Carly Snyder combined for 18 digs. 

The Dolphins return home with a matchup against Mount Saint Mary College on the horizon.