JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Saint Peter's women's volleyball (4-9, MAAC 2-5) team broke their home court drought with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Marist (1-16, MAAC 1-5), securing their first victory at Run Baby Run Arena since the 2022 season. The Peacocks put together a strong all-around performance, fueled by stellar blocking and balanced offense to win in straight sets, 25-21, 25-18, 25-17.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Set 1:
Saint Peter's came out of the gates strong as sophomore setter Cleopatra Diakou kicked off the match with a service ace, setting the tone early. Marist responded with back-to-back kills, edging out a slim lead at 3-2. But with senior Penelope Rivera and freshman Skye Graham hammering down kills, the Peacocks reclaimed a two-point lead at 6-4.
A crucial moment came when a combination of a Diakou ace and a Marist error pushed Saint Peter's ahead 8-5. Though Marist fought back with a four-point run to swing the score 9-8 in their favor, Saint Peter's remained composed. Kills from sophomore Karolina Rodriguez and a gritty defensive stand highlighted by blocks from junior Elena Bilhartz helped the Peacocks claw back. A stunning four-point run featuring back-to-back kills from Rodriguez and freshman Valeria Pagan Munoz flipped the set back in Saint Peter's favor, 23-20. Rodriguez sealed the first set in style with a service ace, sending the Peacocks ahead 25-21.
Set 2
The Peacocks came out firing in the second set, determined to maintain their momentum. Freshman Valeria Pagan Munoz was a force, striking early with a powerful kill to set the tone. Freshman Danielle Caligiuri followed up with an ace, while double blocks from Bilhartz and Rivera gave the Peacocks a strong 3-0 start.
Though Marist managed to tie the score at 10-10, the Peacocks didn't falter. A flurry of blocks from Graham and Rodriguez, paired with another kill from Rivera, pushed Saint Peter's back on top, 13-12. After a brief Marist run, Saint Peter's went on a tear of their own, with kills by Bilhartz and Rivera opening up an 18-15 lead. The Peacocks never looked back, closing the set with four unanswered points. Pagan Munoz put an exclamation point on the frame with a blistering kill, as Saint Peter's took it 25-18.
Set 3
The Peacocks rode their wave of confidence into the third set, storming out to a 6-2 lead with back-to-back kills from Pagan Munoz and a series of punishing blocks from Bilhartz and Graham. Marist had no answers for the Peacocks' relentless defense, as a Rivera ace extended the lead to 10-4.
Marist attempted to chip away at the deficit, but a five-point burst from Saint Peter's – featuring a kill from Rodriguez and consecutive finishes by Pagan Munoz – pushed the Peacocks ahead by a commanding 14-9 margin. The Red Foxes couldn't get closer than six points. Back-to-back kills from Bilhartz and Rivera closed out the set 25-19, sealing the sweep and the Peacocks' long-awaited home victory.
Inside the Numbers:
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Rivera delivered nine kills and three service aces.
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Pagan Munoz led the Peacocks with 12 kills and added 13 digs for her first double-double of the season.
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Bilhartz led the defense with seven total blocks and six kills, swinging at an impressive .333 hitting percentage.
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Diakou tallied 22 assists.
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Graham notched seven kills and five total blocks.
Up Next:
The Peacocks will take a brief break from MAAC play as they prepare to host LIU at Run Baby Run Arena on Tuesday, October 15. First serve is set for 6 PM.
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
