College Volleyball
Marist College 3, Rider University 2
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.--Despite a 'double-double' from senior Katelyn Thompson (Tucson, Ariz./Catalina Foothills), the Rider University volleyball team lost a tough five-setter at Marist College on Saturday in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match.
"It was great to compete," said head coach Emily Ahlquist. "It has been a while since we've competed this well."
The Red Foxes rallied from one set down twice and defeated the Broncs 18-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-16, 15-9.
"We're not frustrated," Ahlquist said. "We know we are that close and working hard in practice and maintaining our vision."
Thompson finished with 15 kills and 12 digs, accounting for 16.5 of Rider's 70 offensive points.
"Katelyn played a steady match," Ahlquist said. "She stuck to the game plan and did well."
Also for Rider (1-15, 0-7 MAAC), senior Amanda Piccolini (St. Clairsville, Ohio/St. Clairsville) had 40 assists, senior Elyse Grassmuck (San Antonio, Texas/La Vernia) had 13 digs and graduate student Alex Chapla (Aliquippa, Pa./Center Area) had 10 kills.
Senior Kristy Love (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Sutherland) added seven kills and five blocks for the Broncs.
This was Rider's second five-set loss in the last seven matches. "The more times we can get to five-sets, the better we will do," Ahlquist added. "You have to experience those situations to be able to handle them."
The Broncs host the re-match with the Red Foxes in Alumni Gym on October 31. Rider lost to Marist 3-0 and 3-1 last season. Marist has won 15 of the 26 matches all-time against the Broncs. Former Northeast Conference rivals, Rider last defeated Marist during the 2005 season.
Rider travels to Jersey City to face Saint Peter's in a MAAC match on Sunday.
"After the way we played today, I'm looking forward to see how we respond to the match on Sunday," said Ahlquist.
The Peahens lost to Loyola Maryland 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
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