NEW PALTZ, N.Y. - The Bard College women's volleyball lost a pair of matches Saturday afternoon, falling to Rowan University and SUNY New Paltz in straight sets.

Set scores for the match against Rowan were 25-16, 25-8 and 25-14. The Profs of Rowan recorded a .423 hitting percentage in the final set to secure the win, en route to a .279 overall total on the day. The Profs collected 29 kills over the three sets, while adding five blocks and aces apiece.

After starting the first two sets slow, Bard rebounded to an eight kill, .174 hitting percentage finish in set three to wrap up the opening match. Maracela Talamantes tallied five kills and two digs. Jewel Smith added 11 assists, while Lia Taus finished with a season-high 18 digs for the Raptors.

In game two, Bard was defeated by the Hawks of New Paltz, 25-14, 25-13 and 25-15. The hosts used early runs in each set to snatch the lead and put the Raptors in a hole early. New Paltz's hitting was consistent throughout the afternoon, as the team finished with a .226 hitting percentage and 24 kills. The major difference in the match came via aces, as the Hawks collected 17 to Bard's two.

For Bard, the game two story was a lot like game one. After overcoming a slow start in the first two sets, the Raptors responded with a solid final set. Talamantes again led the way for Bard with three kills, three digs and an ace. Smith added nine assists, four digs and two kills, while Taus recorded six digs in the effort.

For New Paltz, Demi Herasme (Chester, NY) collected four kills and five blocks. Olivia D'Antonio (Wantagh, NY) added eight digs and five aces in the win.

Up next for Bard is a road game at Mount Saint Mary College on October 16th at 7 p.m. You can follow that game here.