Katey Geary

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Navy's offense struggled to find a rhythm in a three-game loss to Georgetown, Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. The Hoyas (9-6) defeated the Midshipmen (10-3), 30-16, 31-29, 30-17.

"It was a disappointing match," said Navy head coach Mike Schwob. "We let opportunities slip right past us in all three games. We started off well in game one, but allowed a big run and were climbing uphill the rest of the game. We came out great in game two, but didn't capitalize on the chances presented to us."

Navy scored the first three points of the match and held an early 7-3 lead in the opening game, but Georgetown scored 13 of the next 16 points to take a commanding 16-10 advantage. The Hoyas hit .429 in the opening game, while holding Navy to three kills and a negative .091 hitting percentage.

The Mids controlled most of game two, leading by as many as six points (15-9) and holding a late five-point advantage at 24-19. The Hoyas scored four-straight points to pull to within 24-23, then, after a Navy sideout, Georgetown went on another 4-0 run to take its first lead of the game at 27-25. The teams would trade sideouts to give the Hoyas a 28-26 lead, but Beth McArthur (So., Roseville, Minn.) quickly knocked down three-straight kills to give the Mids a 29-28 advantage. The Hoyas couldn't handle a tough Ashley Musser (Jr., Industry, Pa.) serve and struggled to return the ball to Navy's side of the net. Musser then set Ashley Van Hartesvelt (Sr., Breckenridge, Pa.) whose crosscourt attempt went high over two Georgetown blockers, but also wide of the court. Georgetown then scored back-to-back points off its serve to win the game.

Georgetown totaled a .297 hitting percentage in the match, while its 10 blocks and 45 digs helped hold Navy to a .011 percentage. Georgetown's Patty Carroll and Sara Albert led all players with 10 kills, while Van Hartesvelt's six kills led Navy.

"We have to play a full match to be successful," said Schwob. "It can't just be for part of a game or for a game. It has to be the whole match. That was how we have achieved success earlier this season, so it is within us."

The Mids will be return home and to Patriot League play this weekend when Navy plays host to Army in the Star Match Friday and Holy Cross Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in Macdonough Hall and are free to all fans.