New Haven, Conn. – The Centenary University volleyball team wrapped up its trip to New Haven with a pair of matches on Saturday, falling to St. Joseph's (L.I.) before bouncing back to defeat Albertus Magnus for its first win of the season.

In the opening match, Centenary dropped a straight-sets decision to undefeated St. Joseph's (L.I.), 25-18, 25-21, 25-18. Despite strong efforts at the net from Poppy Skjonnemand (8 kills, 2 solo blocks) and Cameron Fulcher (3 total blocks), the Cyclones couldn't overcome the Golden Eagles' balance. Vanessa Pagano led the setting effort with 9 assists, while Rey Bennett anchored the back row with 12 digs.

The Cyclones regrouped in their second match, securing a 3-1 victory over host Albertus Magnus (25-13, 25-21, 24-26, 25-16) to improve to 1-3 on the season. Centenary turned in its best offensive performance of the young year, hitting .241 as a team with 41 kills.

Skjonnemand powered the attack with a match-high 16 kills on .406 hitting, while Jennifer Thistlethwaite added 15 kills at a .310 clip. Pagano directed the offense with 32 assists and contributed 9 digs. From the service line, Bennett was a difference-maker, firing in 13 aces to go with 17 digs. Defensively, Centenary collected 53 digs, led by Thistlethwaite (11) and Bennett, while Fulcher chipped in 4 kills and 2 blocks.

Centenary's serving was a major factor, as the Cyclones delivered 23 aces, including 4 from Thistlethwaite and 2 each from Skjonnemand, Pagano, and Gabriella Miller.

With the split, Centenary moves to 1-3 overall. The Cyclones will look to build on their first win when they return to action next week.