MAAC undefeated streak comes to an end
By Aliyaah Lindsey
The volleyball team split weekend matches, snapping a seven-game winning streak against MAAC rivals.
Rider (12-10, 71 MAAC) traveled to the Bronx Oct. 10 to face Manhattan (11-9, 5-2 MAAC). The Broncs won 32.
Rider had another commanding performance as sophomore setter Veronica Koval had 28 assists in the game, plus 19 digs. Sophomore defensive specialist Emma Aldaya had 25 digs. Freshman right-side hitter Hailey Reide had 13 kills and five blocks. Junior middle hitter Kaitlyn Griffin added 11 blocks, while junior outside hitter Ryan Ackermann had a standout performance with 15 kills.
With this match — a 1625, 2520, 2523, 1825, 1513 win — the Broncs improved to 12-9 overall.
However, the Broncs were less successful when they traveled to New Rochelle, New York, on Oct. 11 to face Iona.
The Gaels (4-15, 2-6 MAAC) took the victory 2522, 2125, 2520, 2624 against the first-place Broncs.
Ackermann blames the loss to a lack of focus and perseverance during the match.
“Sunday’s loss was hard,” Ackermann said. “I think the only thing we can take away from it would be that we can’t take any team lightly, and we always have to work our hardest like we did in the Manhattan match.”
Ackermann, Aldaya and Koval all continued their strong play from the day before. Ackermann had 11 digs and nine kills, Aldaya had 30 digs, and Koval had 20 assists on the day. Senior setter Brandie Hill had the teamhigh of 21 assists. Griffin had 14 kills and six blocks.
“I would say we were our own biggest challenge,” Ackermann said. “The team wasn’t connecting well on the court and we didn’t play our game physically or mentally, but Iona did play a great game and I don’t want to take that away from them in any way.”
Rider will be hosting conference rival Niagara on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. in Alumni Gym.
“We are going to work hard every practice and take every team we play seriously,” Ackermann said. “We don’t want to limit our opportunities like we did on Sunday.”
