JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Saint Peter's women's volleyball team put up a fight but was swept by Rider University in their home opener on Wednesday night. The Broncs took the match in three sets, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18.
WHAT HAPPENED:
Saint Peter's came out strong, with sophomore Maliyah Labrie recording the first kill and a block from sophomore Karolina Rodriguez and senior Penelope Rivera giving the Peacocks an early two-point lead. Rider responded with a four-point run to take control of the set, and despite a three-point rally from the Peacocks that featured a Rivera kill and two Labrie aces, the Broncs pushed ahead. A late four-point run by Rider helped them extend their lead, and they claimed the set, 25-17.
Rider carried their momentum into the second set, taking an early lead. Saint Peter's fought back, tying the set at 5-5 with a Rivera service ace and again at 6-6 with a kill from freshman Valeria Pagan Munoz. A three-point run put the Peacocks up 10-8, but Rider countered with a five-point rally to reclaim the lead. Rider then opened up a wide margin with another scoring run, and despite the Peacocks' efforts to close the gap, the Broncs secured the second set, 25-16.
Rider jumped out to an early lead in the third set, and although Saint Peter's attempted to rally with a series of kills from Labrie, freshman Skye Graham, and an ace by freshman libero Lagean Colon, the Broncs maintained their advantage. A five-point run extended Rider's lead, and despite a late push from the Peacocks, Rider closed out the match with a 25-18 victory.
Inside the Numbers:
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Labrie led Saint Peter's with 11 kills, hitting .261 and contributing 13.5 points.
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Cleopatra Diakou posted a team-high 17 assists.
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Rodriguez swung .400 on the day, going 4 for 9.
Up Next:
The Peacocks return to Run Baby Run Arena on Saturday, October 5, to face Niagara University at 1 p.m.
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
