THROGGS NECK, NY - The Maritime College women's volleyball team couldn't make it back-to-back Skyline Conference wins on Thursday night as they fell to the defending conference champions, USMMA, in three sets. 

Despite a slow start in the first set, the Privateers battled the visiting Mariners and rattled off five straight points to cut the lead to 17-15. Unfortunately, USMMA's offense was able to swing the momentum back in their favor with some powerful swings and they escaped with a first set 25-16 victory.

The Mariners were able to keep their energy going in the second set as they jumped out to a 10-1 advantage. Although Maritime was playing strong defense and forcing long rallies, they struggled to come up with the kills they needed to close the gap. USMMA ended up running away with the second set by a score of 25-8.

The Privateers got off to a sluggish start in the third set as well, but a powerful hit from Celyna Custodio (Danbury, Conn./Danbury) and then a big solo block on the following point got the team going. A few points later a kill from Meghan Eagleton (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham) and an ace from Abby Solomos (Mt. Sinai, N.Y./Mt. Sinai) cut the advantage to 12-5. Unfortunately, Maritime wasn't able to overcome the slow start and ultimately fell 25-14 in the final set.

Custodio led the offense with five kills, while Erika Kirchner (Meadowmere Park, N.Y./Lawrence) dished out 10 assists. Solomos was the top defensive player with 13 digs.

Maritime is back in action this Saturday when they travel to Mount Saint Mary with a tri-match against the Knights and Ramapo College.