Big Rapids, Mich. - An excursion to the Midwest pitted the Adelphi University volleyball team against regional powerhouses No. 8 University of Minnesota Duluth and University of Indianapolis in its first matches of the 2023 season Friday at the Ferris State Invitational.

Although the Panthers (0-2) fell in four sets to both teams, the caliber of opponent is sure to prepare the Brown and Gold for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Match #1: Adelphi 1, #8 Minnesota Duluth 3 (22-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-27)
The Panthers contended with the nationally-ranked Bulldogs every step of the way in their season-opening match.

Despite losing the first two sets, Adelphi stayed within striking distance and the dividends paid off in the third.

Jamaya Harris served six consecutive points and three aces to spark an 11-3 run that helped get the 'Cats out to a six-point advantage in the third set. As UMD stormed back late, Danielle MacKnight called timeout, leading to Noelle Alberda's set-clinching kill out of the break.

Adelphi nearly came all the way back to take the No. 8 team in the land to a decisive fifth set. In her first collegiate action, Madeleine Chaapel came through with back-to-back kills to give the Panthers a 23-20 lead.

Yet, UMD capitalized on six unforced errors by Adelphi that followed, ultimately resulting in a 27-25 victory for the Bulldogs that won the match.

In her first action since 2019 due to injury, Sofia Pinzon led the "Cats with 10 kills. Kambel Fiser and Brenna Valsted allocated 23 assists and 15 assists, respectively.

Match #2: Adelphi 1, UIndy 3 (30-28, 18-25, 26-28, 12-25)
In one of the most thrilling opening sets, the Panthers prevailed 30-28 and committed only five errors along the way. 

Adelphi and UIndy went blow for blow, until Samantha Meehan put down a pair of kills that gave Adelphi a set-point opportunity. Although UIndy responded to level the score at 28-all, Valsted and Lilyen McCarthy teamed up on a block that swung momentum back in Adelphi's favor.

Unfortunately, the Panthers were never able to match that same offensive performance over the final three sets.

In a crucial third set, Adelphi rallied twice against a UIndy set-point opportunity and nearly squeezed out the victory, but the Brown and Gold were unable to finish off the Greyhounds.

Reigning NE10 and AVCA East Region Rookie of the Year Macarty McQueen posted a match-high-tying 16 kills on a .279 attack percentage. Delaney Kiendra also finished in double figures with 10 kills. Jamie Yonker contributed 31 assists, to go along with 12 digs for a double-double.

An early start awaits the Panthers tomorrow (Sept. 2), when the 'Cats face Thomas More University at 9 a.m. and Ferris State University at 12 noon.