SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - In their final Liberty League match of the 2019 season, the Bard College women's volleyball team suffered a 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-18) defeat to Union College (N.Y.) Saturday afternoon.

The Raptors (7-18, 0-7 LL) found themselves in an early hole, as the Dutchwomen (12-12, 1-6 LL) won five of the first six points in set one. Bard was never able to close the gap, and Union took the first set by a 25-18 score.

The home team took control early in the second set, as Union, after losing two of the first three points, went on a 15-0 run to put the set out of reach. The Dutchwomen picked up a 25-12 decision in set two to go up 2-0 in the match. Bard looked to get back in the match in the third, and starting out with a 6-4 lead following five straight points. But once again Union answered, drawing the set even at 12 then going on a 5-0 run of their own. The Raptors eventually got back to within three points, but were not able to complete the comeback as the Dutchwomen won the third set 25-18 to claim a 3-0 victory.

Junior Mikala L'Hote led the way for Bard with nine kills and a .368 hitting percentage, while senior Maracela Talamantes hit .333, adding eight kills and six digs for the Raptors. Senior Jewel Smith had a strong game, picking up 22 assists, 10 digs and four kills, while seniors Lia Taus and Emily Anastasi tied for the team lead with nine digs.

The Raptors return to the court Tuesday, Oct. 29, when they travel to New Haven, Conn. to take on Albertus Magnus College in their final road match of the season. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.