2-0 IN GNAC TRI-MATCH

W. Hartford, CT
Rivier College (6-1 GNAC; 15-10 overall) defeated two Great Northeast Athletic Conference opponents, both in three straight sets, to improve their conference record to 6-1.  A balanced Raider offense directed by senior setter Laura Ciummo (6.5 assists/game) set the tone for the match.  Nicole Rodriguez (6 kills), Nicole Hersey (5 kills), and Lauren Saccoccio (4 kills) were the leading point scorers for Rivier.  Saccoccio, a first year player from Warwick Rhode Island, also tallied 6 digs and 3 service aces.  Erin McIver, Brittni Taylor, and Kate-Lyn Breault combined for 7 kills to round off the attack.  RIV was just as solid on defense as Becky Gautreau led all Raiders with 8 digs while first year players Emileigh Cenedella and Caitlin Callahan combined for 12 digs.  Cenedella also served a match high 5 ace serves. 
 
Rivier was just as strong in the second match defeating Suffolk University in 65 minutes.  Laura Ciummo once again was the cornerstone of the Raider victory.  The 5'5 senior setter from Harrisville Rhode Island orchestrated the Raider offense to a .320 hitting percentage while dishing out 28 assists.  Ciummo also set the tone on defense with a team high 8 digs and 4 ace serves.  Senior Nicole Hersey and sophomore Danielle Jacques each put down 8 kills while combining for a .361 hitting percentage while tri-middles Nicole Rodriguez, Lindsay Chace, and Erin McIver bombed in a combined 11 kills and a .563 hitting percentage.  In the back row senior Colleen Van Cura passed her usual nails going 9 for 9 on receive while Emileigh Cenedella once again laced in a team high 5 ace serves and scooped up 7 digs.
 
Rivier College           3            25  25  25
St Joseph College     0            13  9  20
 
Rivier College          3            25  25  25
Suffolk University    0            16  14  16