Saints Fall in Straight Sets to Rivier in Wednesday’s GNAC Match

BOSTON - Women’s volleyball returned to Great Northeast Athletic Conference play on Wednesday night but came up empty after their straight sets loss to Rivier University, as the Raiders remained undefeated in GNAC play through eight conference games this season.

Saints Fall in Straight Sets to Rivier in Wednesday’s GNAC Match
Program Video Box Score

Team Stats

October 13, 2021

THE BASICS 

Score: 
Rivier 3 – Emmanuel 0 (25-11, 26-24, 25-19)

Records: 
Emmanuel College Saints (7-11, 2-5 GNAC)
Rivier University Raiders (11-5, 8-0 GNAC)

Location: Boston, Mass. – JYC Gymnasium/Andy Yosinoff Court

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

THE LEAD – Women's volleyball returned to Great Northeast Athletic Conference play on Wednesday night but came up empty after their straight sets loss to Rivier University, as the Raiders remained undefeated in GNAC play through eight conference games this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • In the opening set, Rivier got off to a fast start, claiming nine of the first 10 points of the match. The Raiders expanded on that advantage, using a 9-0 run late in the set, cruising to a 25-11 first set win.
  • In the second set, the Saints were close to tying the match at 1-1, as they held a lead throughout much of the second set. Emmanuel had their chance at set point (24-22), but the Raiders defended two set points and went on to overtake the Saints, winning the third set 26-24.
  • In the final set, the Raiders established control early, leading by as many as 10, midway through the set. But the Saints fought on, using a 6-0 scoring run to claw back and trail 18-14. The Raiders quickly responded with a 6-1 run and despite Emmanuel fending off match point four times, Raiders senior Julianna Byington (Hanscomb AFB, Mass.) finished off the set, 25-19, and the match.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

  • Raiders junior Lily Blodgett (Dunstable, Mass.) finished with a match-high 17 kills while hitting .316 on the night.
  • Senior Sydney Racevicius (Woodbury, Conn.) chipped in nine kills for Rivier.
  • Saints sophomore Seana Phillips (Middleboro, Mass.) had a team-high 10 kills while hitting a match-best .500 from the floor.
  • Seniors Caitlin Tannian (Reading, Mass.) and Anna Caristi (North Attleboro, Mass.) each added five kills in the loss.

UP NEXT

  • The Saints head to Lasell for a Saturday tri-match with the Lasers and Simmons Sharks, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively.
  • The Raiders head for a Saturday tri-match at Colby-Sawyer, facing the Chargers at 11:00 a.m. and the Anna Maria AMCATS at 1:00 p.m.