Women’s Volleyball Splits on Second Day of SJC Tournament

Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's volleyball team split its two-game slate on day two of the St. Joseph's College Tournament on Saturday afternoon, losing to Misericordia University 3-0 and defeating New Jersey City University 3-0 in the finale. Following the day's action, the Golden Eagles sit at 10-11 overall on the season.

In their 2:00 PM match against Misericordia, St. Joseph's fell behind early in the first set, surrendering seven of the first 10 points. Down 14-9, the Golden Eagles rallied to draw the score to within one point (18-17), but the Cougars staved off the comeback and won the set 25-22.

Similar to the first set, the Golden Eagles fell behind 12-6 and 18-11, but a 12-6 run brought the score back to 24-23. Despite St. Joseph's courageous comeback, Misericordia's Paige Shaughnessy's kill would seal the deal for the guests, who narrowly took set two 25-23.

The Cougars seemingly had the Golden Eagles on the ropes late in the third set, as they built up a 23-18 lead, but the hosts rallied for a 6-1 run highlighted by junior Courtney Bocchieri's kill to tie the set at 24. Shaughnessy struck again to pull ahead 25-24 before a Courtney Wickline ball handling error ended the set and the match.

Despite the loss, senior Heather Ferchland recorded a game-high 12 kills and sophomore Claire Urizzo collected a game-best 14 digs. Wickline's 31 assists were a team-high and the second-best total of the match.

After taking a 6-3 lead early in the match vs. NJCU, the Golden Eagles struggled to distance themselves from their opponent. NJCU would tie the set five separate times, including at 23-23. Following a NJCU service error, Wickline served up an ace to give St. Joseph's its first set win of the tournament.

Using the win as moment, St. Joseph's cruised to a 25-12 victory in the second set before pulling ahead 24-12 in the third. NJCU rallied for the next six points, but senior Tiffany Willms' kill clinched the set and match wins for the tournament hosts.

Ferchland again led the match in kills with 12, while freshman Jenna Beekman collected a game-best 11 digs. Urizzo pitched in with nine kills, five digs and three blocking assists in a strong showing.

In the earlier matches, Allegheny College swept both Misericordia and NJCU to finish the tournament 3-0. Misericordia posted a 1-2 record and NJCU went winless.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday, October 13 when they host the United States Merchant Marine Academy inside the Danzi Center at 7:00 PM. Live stats will be available here.