In their final two games of regular season play, Fordham Volleyball dropped two games 0-3 to the University of Rhode Island, finishing with a 5-4 overall record to sit at number three in the East Division of the Atlantic 10 behind both La Salle University and URI.

On Wednesday in the Rose Hill Gymnasium, the Rams celebrated senior day, where outside hitter McKenna Lahr was honored. “Senior night was everything and more,” the multiple record-setter notes. “I cannot thank my team, the coaches and those who have been instrumental in my time as a Fordham Volleyball player more for all they have done. My team truly is amazing and made the night so unbelievably special, regardless of the outcome of the game. Also, shoutout to Alena Cashdan and Sophia Plett for all the work they have put into the program over the last four years to help us get to where we are today.”

Three-time A-10 Rookie of the Week winner freshman Whitley Moody posted a match-high 13 kills, although it wasn’t enough as they fell 21-25, 25-27, 21-25. 

On Sunday up north in Kingston, the squad fell again in three: 23-25, 25-27, 21-25. 

Sophomore middle blocker Aria De La Rosa notes, “The past losses have highlighted what our team needs to work on. It has allowed us to pinpoint the areas of our game that need the most work such as serve receive, on-court communication and blocking set up. The losses are actually helping our team have directed focus in practice to tighten up all the loose ends.”

Despite the setback, this weekend, the squad will play in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, a goal they have had for years without finally attaining. 

“This weekend, I am most excited to have one final chance to play volleyball surrounded by some of my best friends,” Lahr notes. “I plan to cherish every moment of being at the A-10 Tournament and go out strong as I conclude my volleyball career. Having one last chance to play, at the event we have been working for so long, is something I am not going to take for granted and remember forever.”

Lahr’s last season in the Maroon and White has been a journey of leadership and personal growth. 

“My focus this entire year and season has been to foster a competitive and supportive environment within the volleyball program. A team that can not only depend on each other on and off the court but also challenge one another and pushes ourselves to be the best version we can be is so important in creating a successful program. Continuing to build the program for next year and the years to come has been a large focus of this season for me. The other large focus was, of course, making it to the A-10 tournament at least once in my college career, and now that we have done that, it is all about cherishing the last few moments, showing the A-10 that Fordham is a competitive team, and getting work done in Dayton.” 

The Rams will take on the hosts at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 2. If they beat the Dayton Flyers, they will advance on to Saturday, to face either Rhode Island or Virginia Commonwealth University. This is the first time Volleyball has made it into the A-10 tournament since 2010, and they are looking to make the most of it.