Women's Volleyball places 3rd in Springfield College Tournament

(Springfield, MA) The Rivier University Women's Volleyball team went a successful 2-1 this past weekend at the Springfield College Tournament hosted by the Springfield College Pride.

The Raiders, 5-2 overall, took the first two games by defeating Westfield State University and Eastern Connecticut State University before falling to Amherst College in the semi-finals.

For her efforts, sophomore setter Emily O'Reilly (San Francisco, CA) was named to the All-Tournament team as she collected 109 assists in 12 sets played.

Game One: 9/7 vs. Westfield State University

In the opening game, the Raiders were able to walk away with a four set victory as they took the sets by scores of 27-25, 25-15, 23-25, 26-24.

Freshman Molly McCormack (Ballston Lake, NY) led the charge as she recorded 12 kills and 13 digs. Senior Nicole Peacock (Warwick, RI) and freshman Lauren Silverman (Chelmsford, MA) each had 11 kills while Silverman registered an outstanding .409 hitting percentage. Senior Jessica Amaral (East Providence, RI) added 11 digs and O'Reilly had her highest total of assists in the tournament with 42 against the Owls.

Game Two: 9/8 vs. Eastern Connecticut State University

With the top seed for pool play on the line, the Raiders grinded out a tough five set win over Eastern Connecticut State by scores of 25-15, 15-25, 20-25, 25-16 and 15-6.

Peacock was the main reason why Rivier took the pool's number one seed as she laced 15 kills and 7 total blocks over the five sets. Sophomore Jackie Pisecco (Chelmsford, MA) knocked down 9 kills with Silverman adding 8. McCormack and senior Nicole Boucher (Windham, NH) each contributed 7 kills. O'Reilly helped out with 40 assists and Amaral was outstanding along the defensive line with 22 digs.

With the victory, the Raiders advance to take on the other pool's 2nd seed which is Amherst College.

Game Three: 9/8 vs. Amherst College

After finishing the five set match against Eastern Connecticut, the Raiders had to take on a talented Amherst College team with a spot in the championship match on the line. Amherst proved to be too much for the tired Raiders as they succumbed in straight sets – 22-25, 13-25 and 20-25.

O'Reilly recorded just 27 assists in the match while Peacock was the kill leader with 9. Boucher was just a step behind her with 8 kills and McCormack finished with 7. Amaral had another 20 dig game for the Raiders.

Springfield College, who defeated Eastern Connecticut to advance to the Championship vs. Amherst, was the eventual Tournament Champion as they defeated Amherst in straight sets.

Rivier will be back in action this upcoming Wednesday night as they host Colby-Sawyer College in the 2013 Home Opener. Game time starts at 7pm inside the 'Doon!