Women's Volleyball Bested in Fifth Set Nail Biter

HENNIKER, NH: The Rivier University women's volleyball team suffered a setback this evening to a tough non-conference opponent in New England College.

  THE BASICS:

- Date: 9/10/2021

- Score: NEC 3, Rivier 2. Set scores (25-22, 24-26, 18-25, 25-20, 16-18)

- Records: NEC (4-2), Rivier (1-1)

 HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  The Raiders got out to a 1-0 lead after taking the first set 25-22 in a close battle. Junior outside hitter Lily Blodgett (Dunstable, MA) continued to rack up the kills in another double digit effort. Riv's offense ran through senior setter Avery Pollard (Ballston Lake, NY) again this evening as she put together a 38 assist effort. 

-  The Pilgrims would get hot in the second set and take it 26-24 along with the third 25-18. NEC took the 2-1 lead behind Amber Thi, who held a match high 16 kills.

- Rivier bounced back in the fourth set to even it up 2-2 after outscoring the Pilgrims 25-20. The fifth set was neck and neck all the way until the end. The duo of Marissa Frazier ad Kenzie Barron for NEC was too much for the Raiders to hold off. Between the two, they combined for 43 assists and 21 digs.

 INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Blodgett: 13 kills and 2 digs.

-  Pollard: 10 kills, 38 assists, and 15 digs.

-  NEC tallied two more kills than the Raiders 56-54.

 UP NEXT:

- The Rivier women's volleyball team will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Keene State for a 7:00 PM start.

 STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Rivier University Athletics, follow the Raiders via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.