(Paxton, MA) The 2011 GNAC Tournament Champions took a stride in the right direction for a repeat as the Rivier University Women's Volleyball used two wins at Anna Maria and finished 11-1 in conference play to earn the top spot in the 2012 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Tournament.
Rivier got off to a fast start as they handed Johnson and Wales there fourth GNAC loss of the season, 3-0 at Anna Maria. The Raiders took the sets by scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-13 to improve to 10-1 in the GNAC and 21-9 overall.
Senior Kenna Finlayson (Derry, NH) registered 15 kills in the three sets to go along with her 9 digs – both team leaders. Junior Nicole Peacock (Warwick, RI) was a few behind but her 12 kills and 4 blocks helped Rivier tremendously. Freshman Emily O'Reilly (San Francisco, CA) recorded 28 assists while junior Jessica Amaral (East Providence, RI) and freshman Nikki Deluga (Cotuit, MA) had 6 and 7 digs, respectively.
Johnson and Wales, who finishes the 2012 campaign as the #6 seed, was led by Courtney Wright, Karlie Haack and Carey Kirk. Each recorded 6 kills in the match. Alyssa Drapeau was the assist leader with 15 while Giselle Cram-Ortiz registered 7 digs.
The Raiders won their second consecutive match of the night, taking the first set 25-11, the second 25-9, and the third 25-21. The Raiders were led by sophomore outside hitter Taylor Davis (Machiasport, ME), who had a team high 5 kills, and also had two solo blocks and two block assists. Defensive specialist Samantha LaRosa (Salem, NH) led Rivier University with 9 assists.
The AMCATS' Parker led the team with 9 assists as well. Alex Rodriguez (Puerto Rico, PR), a junior outside hitter, provided the most offense for Anna Maria, delivering five kills. Acosta ended up adding three kills to her record in her final match as an AMCAT.
The Anna Maria College Volleyball team finishes their 2012 season 3-22 overall and 0-12 in the GNAC.
The top seeded Raiders (22-9 overall, 11-1 GNAC) will host the 8th seeded Lasell College Lasers on Tuesday night. Game time is set for 7pm inside the friendly confines of the 'doon. All fans and spectators are asked to wear a White shirt as it will be "Raider White-OUT Night".
