College Volleyball
American University 3, Rider University 0
Rider University 3, South Carolina State 0

PRINCESS ANNE, MD—The Rider University volleyball team split two matches at the Maryland Eastern Shore Invitational on Friday.

Rider won 25-7, 25-12, 25-13 against South Carolina State after losing 25-17, 25-17, 30-28 to undefeated American University in the opener.

“We were extremely clean in the second match,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano who ended the day with 198 collegiate victories.  “We took care of the things that we were supposed to.  We kept our concentration and played at a really high level.  In years past, maybe that kind of match gets away from us.  This team plays with focus and as we play more, we will continue to develop.”

Against SCSU, senior Ryan Ackermann (Ashburn, VA/Stone Bridge) had 13 kills and attacked .619 with junior Emma Aldaya (Prospect Park, PA/Merion Mercy Academy) adding 14 digs and junior Veronica Koval (Allentown, PA/Parkland) compiled 12 assists and two service aces.

“Ryan was a true left-side (L1) today,” Feliciano said.  “While she did great against South Carolina State, the match that stands out to me was against American.  She hit over .300 against a really good team and this is the first time you are really seeing those kinds of numbers from our left-side hitters.  It tells me something that the first thing she asked me about after the match is her passing.  She is a team player who is always looking to develop.  She is an unselfish player who puts the team first and doesn't care about stats, just wins and losses.”

Ackermann had three kills during Rider's 12-0 opening set run against South Carolina State that made the score 22-3.

In the opener, Ackermann had 11 kills and attacked .346, Aldaya had 12 digs and Koval had 15 assists.

“In the first match, we played a really, really solid team, a squad that won the Patriot League last season,” said Feliciano.  “We made a ton of errors early but in the third set, we battled but just couldn't finish at the end.  We developed as a team in the two matches and are starting to find our identity.  I am pleased with the effort.  We battled.”

Rider split four matches at this tournament in 2015.

Rider plays Navy and the host Eagles of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday.

-RU-