College Volleyball
Canisius College 3, Rider University 0
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match
LAWRENCEVILLE--The Rider University volleyball season came to an end on Sunday with Canisius College sweeping the Broncs 3-0 in Alumni Gymnasium.
Canisius 15-14, 10-8 MAAC) won in straight sets 25-15, 25-21, 25-18.
"We did a lot of growing as a team this year," said first-year head coach Christopher Feliciano. "I'm disappointed that we didn't win more but I'm excited that the team bought into the system that we put in place and never gave up. We have an exciting future."
For Rider (5-25, 3-15 MAAC), freshman Jaclyn Webber (Anaheim, Calif./Canyon) had 16 kills and hit .325 with junior Brittany Gajewski (Whitehouse Station/Hunterdon) adding 15 digs.
"Jaclyn is a brilliant player and it is exciting to know we have her for three more seasons," Feliciano said.
Also for the Broncs, freshman Ashlee Amatulli (Menifee, Calif./Temecula Valley) had 19 assists and nine digs with sophomore Meghan Bartsch (Cranford) adding 15 digs.
Canisius swept the season series, winning 3-1 in Buffalo, New York on October 15. Canisius is 19-3 all-time against Rider and the Golden Griffins have won 12 in a row over the Broncs.
"Our individual play has improved," Feliciano said. "Now it is about making our team defense and offense more consistent. We have help on the way and we are looking forward to the spring season. I commend our team for staying hungry and showing up and giving 100 percent effort every day, not only in matches but in practice. The players bought all in and I'm grateful for that. They always came to practice ready to work hard and learn."
Prior to the match, Rider honored its lone graduating senior, Camellia Kuban (Swedesboro/Gloucester Catholic).
Rider returns 15 letterwinners for the 2012 season.
"Looking at this objectively, we have some great pieces going into place," Feliciano added. "Yes, the record is disappointing but we have so many players who worked hard to improve and step up their game and with what we have coming in from the recruiting trail, we are going to keep heading in the right direction."
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