College Volleyball – Best Western Wild Weekend Invitational
Maryland Eastern Shore 3, Rider University 1
Campbell University 3, Rider University 1

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.—The Rider University volleyball team lost twice on the opening day of the Best Western Wild Weekend Invitational, hosted by UMES.

In the opener against the host Hawks, Rider (4-7) battled back from a 1-0 deficit (25-17) to win the second set 25-19.  The Hawks used a late 5-0 run to take set three 27-25 and dominated Rider in set four 25-8.  The match did have 18 ties and eight lead changes.

“We played extremely well up to the 19th point in the third set,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano after match one.  “We stepped off the gas and allowed UMES to gain some confidence.  We need to match our physical capabilities with our mental toughness and control what we can control.  We need to be positive and have the mental fortitude to believe in the process.”

For Rider, sophomores Kaitlyn Griffin (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory and Ryan Ackermann (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) each had 13 kills with Griffin adding four blocks.

Freshman Emma Aldaya (Prospect Park, Pa./Merion Mercy Academy) compiled 17 digs, senior Ashlee Amatulli (Menifee, Calif./Temecula Valley) had a match-high 23 assists and junior Brandie Hill (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) picked up 11 assists and three digs.

Against Campbell in the nightcap, Rider lost 25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18.

For the Broncs, senior Jaclyn Webber (Anaheim, Calif./Canyon) had 19 kills and 18 digs with Amatulli adding 33 assists and Aldaya compiling 18 digs and six assists.

“We went with a new lineup and played great in bits and pieces,” Feliciano commented after the match against Campbell.  “They are a very good team.  I thought Ashlee did a great job handling the offensive load.”

Griffin had 12 kills and four more blocks.

The match had 24 ties and 10 lead changes.

Rider plays Binghamton and Bethune Cookman on Saturday on the final day of competition.

-RU-