Petersburg, VA - Wednesday night the Fighting Owls volleyball team traveled to Richard Bland for their third contest of the 2023 season. The 3-1 Statesmen, coming off a 34-3 record from 2022, would be the first big test for Harford after coming out of the gates strong at 2-0.

The opening set set the tone for the match, with Richard Bland College taking control early on. Harford struggled to find their rhythm, allowing Richard Bland College to secure a convincing 25-10 win. The second set saw a more spirited effort from the Fighting Owls, as they aimed to make a comeback. However, Richard Bland College maintained their momentum, executing effective plays and maintaining a strong defensive presence. The set concluded with Richard Bland College claiming a 25-18 victory.  In the final set, Harford fought valiantly to stay in the game. They showcased improved coordination and determination, but Richard Bland College's consistency and skilled plays were too much to handle. Richard Bland College sealed the match with a 25-21 win in the third set, completing the clean sweep.

Laura Piva was a standout on the Harford offense with 8 kills and a hitting percentage of .261. She also played a role in both blocking and serving, amassing a total of 8.5 points. Morgan Barnett also showcased her ability tallying 11 assists and 2 service aces.

After a quick turnaround, the team will travel to New Rochelle, NY for a tri match with Monroe College and FIT on September 2nd.