College Volleyball
Rider University 3, Morgan State University 2
7th annual Maddie Bingaman Memorial Invitational

BALTIMORE, Md.—Tied two sets a piece, the Rider University volleyball team won the fifth and deciding set and defeated the Bears of Morgan State University 3-2 on Friday in the opening match of the seventh annual Maddie Bingaman Memorial Invitational, hosted by Maryland Baltimore County.

The Broncs won the match 25-14, 18-25, 26-24, 23-25, 15-9.

“It's refreshing to know that we can win a volleyball match, not playing our best,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.  “We don't want to take this route frequently throughout the season.”

Rider (5-4) was led by 19 kills and a .472 attack percentage from junior outside hitter Ryan Ackermann (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) who added five digs and two blocks.

“We don't win this match without Ryan,” Feliciano said.  “She was sensational and she is playing her best right now in her collegiate career.  We are relying on her defensively as well and she is coming through in some big spots.”

The Broncs also had 13 kills each from freshmen Hailey Riede (Haworth/Northern Valley-Demarest) and Savannah Logan (Jupiter, Fla./Benjamin) with Riede adding four blocks and Logan compiling three blocks.

“We've got some injuries and we are relying on some other players to step up,” Feliciano said.  “Savannah had a nice match and Hailey is turning into a nice point scorer for us which is exciting.”

The setters were led by senior Brandie Hill (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) who had 27 assists and sophomore Veronica Koval (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) who added 24 assists.

The match featured 20 ties and 10 lead changes.

“When we took care of the ball, we were very good,” Feliciano added.  “But we made some aggressive mistakes.  We need to do a better job of knowing when to put a ball in certain places.  I just want a better feel for the game.”

Rider is now 6-1 all-time against Morgan State.  The teams last met on September 8, 2012 when the Broncs won in four sets at Loyola's Greyhound Challenge.

Rider plays Coppin State University and Fordham University on Saturday in the final two matches of the two-day event.

-RU-