PISCATAWAY, NJ – The Rider University volleyball team was defeated in straight sets Wednesday night at in-state rival Rutgers, falling 25-10, 25-18, 25-14. The Broncs fall to 1-5 on the season, while the Scarlet Knights improve to 5-2.
 
In the opening set, the Scarlet Knights were in control. Leading 6-4, Rutgers went on a 6-1 run to extend the lead. Rider would respond with a 3-0 run capped by an ace from Makenna Mason (Hilton Head Island, SC/Hilton Head). However, Rutgers would take control back, hitting .462 for the set, and using two separate 6-0 runs to take the set.
 
The Broncs fought back in the second. Trailing 5-2, Rider went on a 4-0 run during the serve of and capped by a kill from Kiannisha Santiago (San Juan, PR/Hudson Catholic (NJ)). After Rutgers came back to take a 13-10 lead, Rider would once again even the set with a 3-0 run, including an ace by Carly Allen (Buffalo, NY/Sacred Heart Academy). The Scarlet Knights slowly built the lead, then leading 21-18, Rutgers went on a 4-0 run to serve out the set.
 
The Scarlet Knights would not trail in the third, jumping out to quick 12-3 lead. Down 21-9, Rider made its final run of the match with a 4-2 rally, including a block and a kill by Carley McAleavey (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West), but the Rutgers lead was too much to overcome.
 
QUOTES & NOTES
"Not a lot went well tonight. Credit to Rutgers as they came out and were definitely the aggressor the entire match. The only positive was Makenna getting her 1,000^th career assist, which is a great accomplishment for her. We are all proud of her for that. Besides that, I am just disappointed in the effort and our competitiveness." – Head Coach Jeff Rotondo
 
- Rutgers extends its lead in the all-time series to 17-5.
- Mason recorded her 1,000^th-career assist in the second set.
- Mason had 10 assists for her fifth match this season and 51^st match in her career with double digits.

BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- The Broncs hit .062 in the match, while the Scarlet Knights hit .398 as a team.
- Rutgers had 44 kills to 21 for Rider.
- The Scarlet Knights had 38 digs, while Rider finished with 23.
- Hofstra had edges of 8-4 in blocks, and 9-3 in aces.
- Santiago led Rider with nine kills in the match.
- Allen and Keegan O'Connor (Weatherford, TX/Weatherford) each had five digs to pace the Broncs.

UP NEXT
The Broncs are back in action Saturday for the home opener, taking on New Hampshire at 1 p.m. followed by Saint Francis at 6 p.m.