CALDWELL, N.J. - The Caldwell College volleyball team lost a non-conference match to Molloy College, 30-23, 30-27, 30-28 Tuesday evening at the George R. Newman Center. Junior outside hitter Laura Ciesla (Chicago, IL/Lane Tech) led all players with 12 kills on the night. The defeat drops the Cougars to 0-5 on the season, while the Lions improve to 5-4 overall.

Caldwell battled all match and were close late in each game. The teams were tied at 21-21 in Game 1 before Molloy tallied nine of the next 11 points to take a one-game lead. In Game 2, the Cougars built a 27-23 advantage, only to surrender the next seven points and the game. The third game saw Caldwell grab a 22-15 lead. The Lions came back to tie the game at 23-23 and eventually build a 28-25 advantage, but the Cougars tied the game at 28-28. Back-to-back kills by Molloy wrapped up the game and match for the Lions.

Ciesla's 12 kills are the most by a Cougar this season. She also tied junior libero Laura DeVico (Maywood, NJ/Hackettstown) for the team high with nine digs. Freshman setter Kendra Kane (Secaucus, NJ/Lacordaire) sparked Caldwell's attack with 20 assists. Arielle Wichard paced the visitors with 10 kills, while Danielle Sekesan tallied 25 assists in the win.

Caldwell is back in action on Thursday, Sept. 13, when the Cougars play at Concordia College. The non-conference match is set to start at 7:00 p.m. in Bronxville, N.Y.

CC (0) - 23 27 28
MC (3) - 30 30 30