Women's Volleyball: Raiders split non-conference tri-match

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director

NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier University Women's Volleyball team hosted both Salve Regina University and Westfield State University in a non-conference tri-match at the Muldoon Gymnasium this afternoon. The Raiders (14-5 overall) dropped the opening contest against Salve Regina (8-12) in five sets before sweeping Westfield State (9-11) to close out the day. The Seahawks bested the Owls, 3-2 in the middle match.

Game One: Salve Regina University 3, Rivier University 2 (Final)

In an epic opening game, the Seahawks outlasted the Raiders by set scores of 16-25, 25-23, 26-24, 13-25 and 15-13.

Rivier was guided by the outstanding effort from sophomore Sydney Racevicius (Woodbury, Conn.) who amassed 22 kills, a .354 hitting percentage, four service aces and gathered 14 digs and two total blocks in the contest. Senior Taylor Dunster (Sutton, Mass.) was also electric as she had 13 kills and a team-high 25 digs while both classmate Jess Whyte (Plymouth, Mass.) and junior Julia Zargaj (Groveland, Mass.) provided 13 kills each. Zargaj recorded a .458 hitting percentage and seven total blocks with Whyte swinging at a .393 clip and adding five total blocks. Sophomore setter Avery Pollard (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) controlled the offense with 54 assists as she also picked up 10 digs and three total blocks. Freshman Olivia Garand (Litchfield, N.H.) scooped up 24 digs along the backline in the five set setback.

Salve Regina saw Madison Lee go for a double-double of 15 kills and 13 digs to lead the team to victory. The duo of Meredith Arancio and Katelyn O'Brien handed out 25 and 15 assists, respectively, while Katie Linekin collected 22 digs. Annie Donahue added 11 kills and five total blocks in the win for the Seahawks with Nicole Karabaich chipping in for 8 kills and 12 digs.

Game Three: Rivier University 3, Westfield State University 0 (Final)

The final game of the day was an easier one for the Raiders as they defeated the visiting Owls by set scores of 25-11, 25-19 and 25-17.

Both Dunster and Racevicius went for double-doubles in the finale as the senior totaled 15 kills and 12 digs while also swinging at a .393 clip. Racevicius added 13 kills and 15 digs in the win as Pollard directed the offense to a .314 hitting percentage with 38 assists. Whyte contributed with six kills, a .364 hitting percentage and four total blocks with Garand picking up 11 digs. Freshman Emily Jennings (Killingworth, Conn.) regisitered a .467 hitting percentage with seven kills and two total blocks for Rivier.

Westfield State saw Shawna Crowley and Brianna Starkey record the team-high of five kills and Ashley Crowley added three kills in the loss. Ally Rega dished out 13 assists and Lizzie Taylor patrolled the backline with 12 digs.
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The Raiders will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference action on Thursday (10/17) night as they host Colby-Sawyer College to the Muldoon for a 7pm start.