Rider executes trio of sweeps in perfect week

By Lindsay Scarola

This week highlighted rematches between Rider volleyball and their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents. After winning against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, 3-0, on Oct. 30 the Broncs traveled to New York for the weekend to dominate against Siena on Nov. 2 and Marist on Nov. 3, both scores 3-0. 

Costume night  

Rider swept Saint Peter’s for the second time this season on Oct. 30 in the Alumni Gym where students dressed up for “Costume Night.” During the game, the Broncs gradually took the lead on the first set, springing forward to 19-11. 

However, Saint Peter’s went on a five-point run. Back-to-back kills by junior outside hitter Kiannisha Santiago and an error by the Peacocks gave the Broncs set point, taking a 25-20 win to start the match.

Rider had full control of the second game, opening up with a 9-2 lead that later resulted in 17-11. Santiago had back-to-back kills and helped Rider pull away during its 5-0 run, and Rider won the set 25-14.

Saint Peter’s struck first in the third, having a 5-0 lead over Rider. That did not stop the Broncs, as they scored eight straight points.

Two kills and a block by sophomore opposite hitter Anja Kelly contributed to Rider’s control of the set. The Broncs squashed the Peacocks, 25-14, to win the match in a 3-0 sweep.

‘Playing aggressive’  

On Nov. 2, the Broncs stepped onto Siena’s turf and dominated in conference play again, earning yet another 3-0 sweep.

From the start, Rider scored six points in a row, with senior setter Ryley Frye having a pair of aces. 

The first set lead extended to 12-1 after a 6-0 run with sophomore libero/defensive specialist Carly Zimmet’s serve. The Broncs won this set 25-11.

Siena trailed 16-11 but got back into the second set with a 4-0 run, later tying it 21-21. It was a close run in the end, as junior outside hitter Brynn Johnson scored two kills, contributing to the 25-23 win for the Broncs. 

The Saints came out first, having a 3-0 start for the third game, their first lead of the match. Rider immediately counterattacked with four straight points. 

Siena stayed within Rider’s reach until the score was 14-11. The Saints made it 20-15, but Rider kept them at 15. The Broncs came out on top, 25-15.

“The team overall was very efficient versus Siena, really focusing on playing aggressive and smart. Our pin hitters did a very good job of using the blocking, finding some seams and going for the big swing when needed,” said Head Coach Jeff Rotondo. 

The Saints did not come marching in as the Broncs swept them 3-0. 

Straight sets

On Nov. 3, the Broncs showed up to their rematch against Marist with an undying fighting spirit.

The opening set was slow, as the Broncs fell behind 14-10, but their confidence was high. They scored seven straight with two kills and a block by junior middle hitter Carley McAleavey.

Leading 17-16, Rider scored six-straight points with Santiago making three back-to-back aces. Rider won 25-17. 

Once again the Broncs were behind in the second set, 10-9, until they went on a 6-0 run with a kill and an ace by sophomore middle hitter Molly Rohde. 

That did not stop Marist, as it had its own 8-2 run for the go ahead against Rider. 

Junior libero Keegan O’Connor had a pair of aces during the Broncs’ 4-0 response. They held the Red Foxes for a 25-21 victory. 

Tied 7-7 in the third set, senior setter Ryley Frye had a trio of aces as the Broncs ran past the Red Foxes. 

Up 13-9, Rider extended their lead with an 8-1 run, defeating Marist 25-16. The Broncs stampeded over the Red Foxes with a 3-0 sweep. Rider gained their fifth straight win. 

“Overall, everyone is playing very well. We are serving great and keeping teams out of system. Kianny is playing great along with Keegan. Everyone is playing well together and as one, which is helping lead us to victory,” said Rohde. 

The Broncs, looking to extend their winning streak, will travel to New York once again to play Manhattan on Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. and Iona on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.