College Volleyball
Rider University 3, Massachusetts Lowell 1
Maryland Eastern Shore 3, Rider University 2
The Courtyard by Marriott Maroon and Gray Invite

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.—The Rider University volleyball team opened the 2015 season with a split on day one of The Courtyard by Marriott Maroon and Gray Invite, hosted by Maryland Eastern Shore on Friday at the W.P. Hytche Center.

Rider (1-1) won the opener 3-1 over UMass. Lowell and lost to UMES 3-2 in the second match, 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 25-14, 14-16.

In the opening match against the River Hawks, Preseason All-MAAC honoree, junior Kaitlyn Griffin (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory) attacked at a .375 clip and had 11 kills and three service aces with freshman Catie Harding (Kirkwood, Mo./Kirkwood) adding 13 kills to lead the Broncs to a 25-20, 21-25, 25-17, 25-18 victory.

Senior Brandie Hill (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) led Rider with 26 assists and added 14 digs in the opening match and sophomore Emma Aldaya (Prospect Park, Pa./Merion Mercy Academy) had 15 digs.

“It's always nice to start a season with a win,” Feliciano said after the opener.  “I'm proud of how we were able to overcome a slow start in both of the first two sets.”

Rider out-attacked UMass. Lowell .240 to .078.

In the second match, Rider took the opening set and trailing two sets to one, rallied to force a fifth and deciding set before falling by two points.

“I'm extremely proud of the group and how they were able to recover today after being down two sets to one,” said Feliciano.  “Overcoming adversity is always a challenge but to see it this early in the season from what is essentially a new team is exciting.”

Harding had 15 kills and five digs with Griffin adding 12 kills and four blocks against UMES.

The freshmen didn't look like freshmen today,” Feliciano said.  “They played with composure and intelligence.”

Aldaya had 26 digs in the second match and a total of 41 on the day.

Rider is now 5-4 all-time against UMES and this was the first meeting with UMass. Lowell

“We need to tighten up on some of the unforced errors,” Feliciano said.  “We need to play loose but play with discipline at the same time.”

Rider stays in Maryland to face UMass. Lowell at 10am on Saturday with the final match of the tournament against the host Hawks of UMES at 6pm, also on Saturday.

The home opener is September 9 when then Broncs host Iona College in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference match at 7pm in Alumni Gymnasium.

-RU-