SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Northampton women's volleyball team battled for a, 3-2, win over
nationally ranked Raritan Valley Community College on Thursday evening at the Golden Lions Gymnasium.
The Spartans jumped ahead, 2-0, taking the first set, 25-20 and the second set, 25-21, to grab the momentum and early lead in the non-region match up. The Golden Lions, who Received Votes in the NJCAA national poll earlier in the week, stormed back to take the third set, 27-25, and fourth set, 26-24, to set the stage for a 5th and deciding set.
The Spartans held a, 24-20, lead in the 4th set with match point, but were unable to stop a late push by the Golden Lions, forcing the 5th set.
The Spartans were able to find their way in the deciding set, jumping ahead early and being able to ride the early edge to a, 15-9, 5th set win. The Spartans took the match over the Golden Lions, 3-2.
"Tough back and forth match up tonight and it was what we expected," explained Spartans Head Coach
Rachael Aquila, "We came out strong and took the early lead, 2-0, and just couldn't finish the job in that 3rd and 4th set. We had our chances but give Raritan Valley credit, they battled us on every point, and we both really had to earn everything tonight. We got it going again in the 5th set and we were able to win the match. Solid team effort tonight."
Kyra Miller (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) led the Spartans offense with a season high 14 kills and
Amanda Rivera (Macungie, PA/Emmaus) had 12 kills and 21 digs.
Allie Keck (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) had a season high 47 assists with 10 digs, 4 solo blocks and 3 service aces.
Emily Marcial (Allentown, PA/Executive Charter) continued her strong play with 25 digs and 2 service aces.
Northampton improves to 11-6 overall with the non-region victory over the Golden Lions.
Raritan Valley Community College slips 10-5 overall with the loss.
The Spartans are back in action on Saturday, October 17th when they host Middlesex College at 12pm for their annual
Dig Pink match at the Arthur L. Scott Center.
