JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Saint Peter's Peacocks gave everything they had but ultimately fell to Canisius in a five-set marathon, 3-2, at Run Baby Run Arena. Despite standout performances from several key players, the Peacocks couldn't hold off the Golden Griffins, falling in a heart-pounding final set, 16-14.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Set 1
Sophomore Maliyah Labrie set the tone early for Saint Peter's, striking the first kill of the match. Though a Peacocks service error quickly tied the set, Labrie returned with another kill to put the Peacocks ahead again. Senior Penelope Rivera joined the effort with a kill of her own as the Peacocks kept the pressure on Canisius.
Despite this strong start, Canisius quickly responded, with sophomore Kaila Reisma and graduate student Sofia Hedqvist delivering key kills to keep the set close. The Golden Griffins used a three-point rally to briefly jump ahead, 10-7, marking the largest lead of the set so far. However, Saint Peter battled back with a series of kills from Labrie, freshman Skye Graham, and sophomore Karolina Rodriguez, tying the game again at 11.
The two teams continued to trade points throughout the middle of the set, neither able to create separation. Canisius maintained a slim two-point advantage until Labrie and Rivera took over down the stretch. A kill from Labrie tied the score at 19, and Rivera followed with a huge kill to give the Peacocks a one-point edge. Sophomore Cleopatra Diakou added a service ace, putting Saint Peter's up by two and forcing Canisius to take a timeout.
After the break, Canisius regrouped, quickly tying the match at 21 with another Hedqvist kill and a Peacock attack error. Rivera came through in the clutch again, tallying another critical kill, followed by a timely ace from freshman Jessa Zulueta. As Canisius tied the set once more at 23, Rivera refused to let the set slip away. With the score knotted, she stepped up with back-to-back kills, sealing the first set for the Peacocks, 25-23.
Set 2
Labrie opened the second set with another powerful kill, and the Peacocks took an early lead thanks to sharp defense and timely offense from Rivera and an ace by Bilhartz. Saint Peter's led by as much as three before Canisius clawed their way back into the game, capitalizing on a few Peacock errors. Despite a valiant effort from Rivera and a powerful ace by junior Elena Bilhartz, the Golden Griffins surged late to win the set 25-20, leveling the match at one apiece.
Set 3
Set three saw Canisius take control early with a 3-0 lead. The Peacocks responded with a block by Labrie and Rodriguez that electrified the crowd, but a series of multi-point runs by the Golden Griffins gave them an 18-11 cushion. Despite kills from freshman Valeria Pagan Munoz and Graham, Canisius held on to take the set 25-18, putting Saint Peter's on the ropes.
Set 4
With their backs against the wall, the Peacocks responded in a major way during the fourth set. Canisius opened the set with a kill, but Labrie quickly fired back, keeping the score tied early. The Golden Griffins then went on a four-point run to take a 6-2 lead, but the Peacocks did not back down. Labrie continued her offensive dominance, hammering four kills in a span of five points, sparking a Peacock rally that tied the set at 13.
From that moment, Saint Peter's found their groove. A service ace from Diakou, followed by a string of key plays from Rivera and Bilhartz, gave the Peacocks their first lead of the set at 15-13. With momentum fully on their side, Saint Peter's extended their lead to four points, thanks to a powerful block by Labrie and Bilhartz. The Peacocks' relentless energy forced Canisius into a timeout as the score sat at 22-18.
Out of the timeout, Canisius attempted to chip away at the lead, pulling within two points, but the Peacocks slammed the door shut. Kills from Pagan Munoz and Labrie and another Diakou service ace finished the set in commanding fashion at 25-20; the Peacocks forced a fifth and deciding set, keeping their hopes alive.
Set 5
The final set was an intense battle, with neither team willing to give an inch. Labrie and Rodriguez delivered crucial kills and aces to keep the Peacocks within striking distance, tying the score at 11. However, Canisius held off Saint Peter's with back-to-back kills from Hedqvist to claim the set 16-14 and the match 3-2.
Inside the Numbers:
- Labrie led the day with 22 kills and 24.5 points, adding five block assists.
- Rivera tallied a season-high 17 kills, hitting .306 for the day.
- Bilhartz contributed five kills on ten attempts, hitting .500 while adding six block assists.
- Rodriguez swung for eight kills on 18 attempts with just one error, hitting .389 in the match.
- Diakou had a season-high 41 assists.
Up Next:
The Peacocks return to action on Saturday, October 12, hosting Siena University at Run Baby Run Arena. First serve is scheduled for 1 PM.
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
