JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Saint Peter's women's volleyball team comes back from a two-set deficit to win the match against conference foe Niagara on Sunday.
Junior Dayana Arrufat-Rondon (Truyillo, Puerto Rico/Carvin School) had a strong performance in the comeback win, registering a career-high 30 kills. Sophomore Lauren Behrens (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) finished with 17 kills on the afternoon and senior Laura Reinhart (Belvidere, N.J./Newton) tallied 13 kills.
In the first set, the Peacocks jumped out early to take a 9-4 lead. The Purple Eagles would respond, scoring five straight points to tie the set at nine. With the score tied, Niagara went on a 6-3 run to take a 15-12 lead. Niagara would not look back; as they went on to win the first set, 25-21.
Second set, Saint Peter's started with a 10-5 run to hold the lead. Niagara would respond with a 9-2 run to grab the lead with the score 14-12. The Purple Eagles would finish the set on a 13-7 run, winning 25-19.
In the third set, both teams exchanged points to tie the set at 12. With the score tied, the Peacocks scored three straight points to take the lead. Niagara would go on 9-3 run to take a 21-18 lead. On the brink of being swept, the Peacocks go o a 5-2 run to tie the set at 23. Both teams would exchange points to tie the set at 26. Saint Peter's would stay alive in the match, winning the third set 28-26.
Fourth set, Niagara jumped out early, taking a 12-4 lead. Saint Peter's would not lie down, going on a 14-4 run to take an 18-16 lead. The Purple Eagles would score two straight points to tie the set. With the set tied, both teams exchanged points to tie the set at 23. Saint Peter's would score two consecutive points to win the fourth set, 25-23.
In the fifth set, Saint Peter's went on a quick 5-1 spurt. Niagara would respond, going on an 8-5 run to cut the deficit to one point. Saint Peter's would not forfeit the lead, going on a 5-2 run to complete the comeback win.
With the win, the Peacocks improve to 3-11 overall and 1-1 in MAAC play. This is Saint Peter's first conference win since 2010. This is also Saint Peter's first win in five sets since Sept. 20, 2009 against Manhattan.
Saint Peter's returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 25, when they welcome Manhattan to the Yanitelli Center at 7 p.m.
