Nashua NH-Rivier College (1-0 GNAC; 9-6 overall) defeated Emerson College 3-1 to win their opening GNAC match of the 2008 season.  The defending GNAC champions set the tone early with outstanding defense and tough serving to keep the visiting Emerson team off balance.  RIV lipped 57 Lion attacks for a sensational 14.25 digs/game average. Senior libero Colleen Van Cura lead the defensive charge with 17 digs. 

Freshmen trio Danielle Stoodley, Emileigh Cenedella, and Lauren Saccoccio were outstanding as well with a combined 25 digs.  Stoodley and Cenedella were flawless on receive as well while Saccoccio led all Raiders with 4 ace serves. Lindsay Chace elevated her play in the middle hitter position to give RIV a needed boost on offense.  The 5'8 middle hitter laced in 8 kills on 17 attempts with just 3 errors for a .294 hitting percentage all while leading the team with 3 blocks. Captain Nicole Hersey once again led the offense with 15 kills including some timely put-aways to seal the victory and leader Laura Ciummo played a good all around game with 43 assists, 6 digs, and 4 kills. Sophomores Nicole Rodriguez and Danielle Jacques reached double digits on offense once again with 11 and 10 kills respectively.
 
Rivier College       3        25  25  23  27
Emerson College  1        23  17  25  25