LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – The Rider University Volleyball Team earned a four-set victory in the opening round of the MAAC Tournament over Manhattan Wednesday afternoon. The Broncs advance to the quarterfinals and improve to 10-19 on the season, while the Jaspers close out the year 1-28.
 
The Broncs jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first, including a 5-0 run during the serve of Carley McAleavey (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West). Leading 10-8, the Broncs went on a 9-0 run on the serve of Keegan O'Connor (Weatherford, TX/Weatherford). The Broncs would go to take the set 25-10.
 
Midway through the second, the Broncs pulled away again. Tied 7-7, Rider went on a 7-1 run, including two kills and a block by McAleavey. Leading 16-12, Rider went on a 6-0 run, with two kills and a block by Morgan Koch (Bloomington, IL/Central Catholic), going on to win the set 25-15.
 
The Broncs appeared to be headed to the sweep, going up 5-0 in the third. Trailing 15-8, the Jaspers went on a 7-2 run to tighten the match. Down 19-16, Manhattan went on a 6-0 run to take the lead, winning the third 25-21.
 
In the fourth, Rider took back control. Down 5-2, Rider went on a 6-0 run on the serve of Morgan Romano (Oviedo, FL/Hagerty), capped by an ace. Leading 18-13, Rider used a 7-1 run to close out the match.
 
QUOTES & NOTES
"Credit to them. They were able to battle to pick up that third set. We made a good recovery there in the fourth set."
 
"We just said to relax, work the ball around and get into our offense." – Head coach Jeff Rotondo
 
"We came out strong and played together. That's something we've been talking about, because the only way we're gonna get through is if we stay together. It was a team win."
 
"That's how I play better and help the team, by staying calm and if I make a mistake just move on." – Senior Opposite Morgan Romano
 
- Rider has now won 14 of the last 15 meetings, including all three this season. Manhattan holds a 30-22 edge in the all-time series.
- Tori Schrader (Grantville, PA/Lower Dauphin) led the Broncs with 16 kills, her eighth match in double figures this season.
- Romano added 15 kills, her 17^th match in double figures this season.
-O'Connor led the Broncs with 13 digs, her eighth match in double figures.

BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Rider hit .238 in the match, to just .045 for the Jaspers.
- Rider had 55 kills in the match, to just 26 for Manhattan.
- Sydney Bond (Homestead, FL/Westminster Christian) had 23 assists to lead the Broncs.

UP NEXT
Rider continues its quest for the MAAC Championship against Marist on Thursday at 4 p.m.