HENNIKER, N.H. – The Rivier women's volleyball team battled to a 3-1 victory over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent New England Col. (NEC) Wednesday evening at Bridges Gym.
With the win, the Raiders moved to 11-8 (6-2 GNAC), while the Pilgrims fell to 11-10 (4-5 GNAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Rivier overcame an early 2-2 tie to take control of the opening set, scoring six of the next seven points to build a 10-4 advantage. The Raiders extended their lead to 12-6 behind kills from first-year Ashlee Salafia and junior Savannah Dunne before NEC trimmed the deficit to 13-8. Rivier answered by scoring six straight points, using kills from senior Lacey Turner and Dunne to move ahead 23-13. The Pilgrims managed one more point, but the Raiders closed the set with back-to-back points, including a kill from Dunne, to secure a 25-14 win.
- Rivier built an early 6-3 lead in the second set behind kills from Salafia, Turner and senior Sam Driend. NEC battled back to tie the set at 10-10, 12-12, 13-13, 14-14. After Rivier created separation with a kill from first-year Ava Pohopek, the Pilgrims scored four of the next five points to move ahead 19-18. NEC maintained a two-point edge before the Raiders closed out the frame on two errors and three kills from Salafia.
- The Pilgrims responded in the third set, with the teams exchanging points through a 9-9 and 11-11 tie. Rivier briefly moved ahead, but the Pilgrims regained the lead and built a 16-14 advantage. The Raiders fought back behind kills from sophomore Emma Zeblisky, Turner, pulling within one at 17-18. NEC extended its lead to 21-17 before Rivier countered, cutting the deficit to 24-23 on a block by Zeblisky. The Pilgrims closed out the frame on the third set point, forcing a fourth set.
- Rivier opened the fourth set with a five-point run. The Pilgrims responded by scoring four of the five points to come withing two at 6-4. NEC continued to chip away using a 6-0 run to get to a 10-10 set tie. Both teams traded chanced before the Raiders pulled ahead to 19-16 behind kills from Salafia and Pohopek. The Pilgrims rallied to tie the set at 22-22. The teams traded points down the stretch, with Rivier reaching match point at 24-23 before the Pilgrims forced extra points. After several more ties, the Raiders, junior Lily Seibel delivered the deciding kill to seal the 34-32 set victory and the 3-1 match win.
BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN
- Salafia paced the offense with a career-high 22 kills and a .459 hitting percentage.
- Turner followed closely behind with 15 kills, a .289 hitting percentage, 13 digs.
- Seibel contributed 49 assists, five kills, and 14 digs.
- Sophomore Mollie Miner led the team with 15 digs.
UP NEXT
The Raiders return to the court Friday, Oct. 23 for a GNAC meeting with Dean. The opening serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Pieri Gymnasium.
