Boston, MA - Rivier College (7-3 GNAC; 16-12 overall) went .500 in GNAC play with a 5 set loss to Emerson College and a 3-0 sweep against Pine Manor College.

In the first stanza Emerson College showed why they are undefeated in GNAC play with a dominating 25-9 win in the opening set against Rivier College.  The Lions continued their strong play in the second set to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the match.  Rivier made some adjustments, both mental and physical, and stormed back in sets 3 and 4 to tie the match and force a decisive fifth set.  Both teams battled early trading points with Emerson showing an 8-7 advantage on the side switch until RIV gave up two more quick points to open the lead up to 3 for the Lions.  Rivier came back with a strike of their own but eventually fell with 2 consecutive hitting errors from the Lions block sealing the match for the home team. 

First year player Kenna Finlayson bombed in a team high 21 kills to lead the Blue and White.  Sophomore Lauren Saccoccio picked up a double double with 29 assists and 17 digs along with 2 blocks, 2 kills, and 1 ace while classmate Caitie Callahan scored a double double with 15 assists and 10 digs.  Juniors Danielle Jacques and Nicole Rodriguez put down 11 and 8 kills respectively while classmate Brittni Taylor came off the bench to make a difference with 5 kills, 4 digs, and 6 for 6 on receive in just 3 sets.  On defense senior Lindsay Chace rejected the Lions for a team high 3 blocks and back row specialists Emileigh Cenedella, Danielle Stoodley, and Becky Gautreau scooped up a combined 42 digs. 

Rivier rebounded from the first match setback with a convincing 3-0 win against Pine Maner College.  Sophomore Kate-Lyn Breault and freshman Meghan Farrell did the bulk of the offensive damage for the Raiders with 6 and 7 kills respectively while both serving 2 aces each.  First year setter Christi Pratte ran a nice offense with a match high 15 assists while classmate Courtney Roberts-Cookson served a team high 6 ace serves and scooped up a match high 10 digs.  First year player Amelia Iverson chipped in with 3 kills while freshmen Hannah Sturman and Amanda Russo played well in the back row. 

Rivier College            2        9  22  25  25  11
Emerson College        3        25 25  22  18  15

Rivier College            3        25  25  25
Pine Manor College     0        8   10  10

Rivier will take on cross-town rival Daniel Webster College on Wednesday 10/28 at DWC at 7:00 pm.  Rivier will then travel to U-Mass Dartmouth on Thursday 10/29 for a 7pm match.