College Volleyball - Great 8 Volleyball Challenge - Day One
Nicholls State 3, Rider University 0
KENNESAW, Ga.-Despite 20 assists and six digs from junior Elyse Grassmuck (San Antonio, Texas/La Vernia), the Rider University volleyball team lost to Nicholls State 3-0 on the opening day of the Great 8 Volleyball Challenge in Georgia Friday afternoon.
"Even though it was a 3-0 match, it wasn't a bad match," head coach Emily Ahlquist said. "The player really played with heart and played to win. Elyse had a nice match and was able to provide court leadership for us. She was vocal and led by example."
The Broncs lost 25-22, 25-13, 29-27.
In the first set, Rider jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the Colonels rallied with a 14-3 run. The Broncs got to within two but could get no closer before eventually losing by three.
"We played a brand new line up in the opening set," Ahlquist said. "We were working out some of the kinks and it went back and forth. Nicholls State took advantage of us being a little unsure of what we were doing."
The second set was tied at three before Nicholls State won eight of the next 10 points and leading 16-10, the Colonels put the set away, winning nine of the last 12 points.
The third and finals set was a battle that featured 14 ties. Tied at 27, the Colonels took advantage of two Rider attack errors to close out the match. "The third set was incredible," Ahlquist added. "We had a little bit of luck go against us at the end."
Also for Rider (1-4), senior Amy Jeary (Depew, N.Y./St. Mary's) had 11 digs with freshman Briana Wallace (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) adding seven kills and four blocks. "Briana brought it today," Ahlquist added. "She is a player who is learning the collegiate game and learning it quickly. She has done well adjusting to the speed of the game and the intelligence that it takes to play the game."
The Broncs face host Kennesaw State at 9am on Saturday before playing Alabama A&M to close out the tournament at 4pm Saturday afternoon.
"We're looking forward to the two matches on Saturday," Ahlquist said. "We are improving each match. We are having a fantastic time and the staff at Kennesaw State is running a great tournament."
-RU-
