College Volleyball
Fairfield University 3, Rider University 0
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match
FAIRFIELD, Conn.--Junior Amanda Piccolini (St. Clairsville, Ohio/St. Clairsville) had 12 assists but it wasn't enough as the Rider University volleyball team was swept at first place Fairfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Stags won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match 25-16, 25-22, 25-17.
"We played much better than we did at Marist on Saturday," said head coach Emily Ahlquist. "Our passing was right on and we hustled better."
Fairfield (11-10, 9-1 MAAC) came out fast in set one, winning six of the first seven points. Leading 9-6, the Stags used an 8-3 run to open up an eight point lead and won the set by nine.
Trailing 8-5 in the second set, Rider (3-18, 1-9 MAAC) staged a mini rally to tie the score at 11. Trailing 18-15, the Broncs again rallied to tie the set at 19 before the Stags pulled away for the three point win. The set featured seven ties.
"The second set was fun," Ahlquist added. "There was such good volleyball on both sides. Both teams were diving after everything and were all over the floor. The defense was amazing. Both teams battled for every point."
Tied at six in the third set, the Stags scored 12 of the next 15 points to lead 18-9, winning the set by eight to clinch the match.
Also for the Broncs, senior Amy Jeary (Depew, N.Y./St. Mary's) had nine digs. Jeary, the all-time Rider record holder for digs, is fifth in the MAAC and 99th in the nation, averaging 4.27 digs per set.
"Amy passed the ball well for us," Ahlquist said. "She did a good job reading the hitters on the defensive side. Junior Kristy Love (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Sutherland also did a good job after having to switch positions." Love finished with three kills and two blocks.
Rider gave the Stags their only conference loss so far this season, defeating Fairfield 3-1 on September 27 in Lawrenceville.
Fairfield has now won 15 of the 20 matches all-time against the Broncs.
Rider has lost six in a row and 12 of its last 13 matches.
The Broncs host Manhattan on October 23 for a 6:15pm MAAC match at the Student Recreation Center.
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