College Volleyball
Niagara University 3, Rider University 0
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Match
Koval - 1,000th career assist

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.—In the final match of the regular season, the Rider University volleyball team lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match to Niagara University on Sunday afternoon.

Niagara won in three sets 26-24, 25-19, 25-18.

Due to a computer issue at the match, all statistics were unofficial until confirmed via video Sunday night.

For Rider, freshman Kristin Fick (North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora) was credited with 10 digs, six kills and a service ace with junior Ryan Ackermann (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) compiling 17 digs and six kills.

“For the weekend, Fick was our best player,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.  “It is exciting and rewarding to see her progress this season.”

Sophomore setter Veronica Koval (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) had 17 assists and 14 digs for the Broncs and she eclipsed the 1,000 assist plateau in the match.

Rider defeated Niagara 3-1 on October 17 to split the season series.

After spending most of the season in first place, Rider (16-16, 11-7 MAAC) finished fifth in the final standings and the Broncs will face fourth seed Manhattan College on Friday, November 20 at 5pm in the MAAC playoffs, hosted by Siena College.  

“We saw considerable growth this season, both in competitiveness and in the culture of the program,” Feliciano said.  “The next step is obvious; learning how to finish close matches and play with the pressure of being hunted instead of the hunter.  I'm excited to see what the second youngest team in the conference is going to do in the playoffs.”

Rider and Manhattan split two matches this season with Rider winning in Riverdale, New York 3-2 on October 10 and the Jaspers won in Lawrenceville, 3-1 on October 28, one of only two losses for Rider at home this season.

This is Rider's first playoff qualifying volleyball team since the 2004 season when the Broncs lost in the semifinals.

In the second semifinal on November 20, third seed Siena College will face sixth seed Niagara.

The winners of each opening round match will face top seed Fairfield University and second seed Marist College on Saturday, November 21 with the championship match scheduled for Sunday, November 22, also at Siena.

-RU-