Montclair, NJ – SKYE RAMSEY slammed down a career-high 21 kills, and the Montclair State University volleyball team handed out 52 assists in a 3-1 win over the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Friday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks fell behind 7-5 but pulled in front 11-8 on solid serving from KATIE RODMAN and KELLY WATERMAN. A Montclair attack error trimmed the deficit to 15-14, but an 8-2 Red Hawk spurt stretched the lead to 23-16. Ramsey had a pair of kills during the run to help extend the margin.
• The Mariners battled back, getting the score to 24-21 on the heels of a 5-1 rally. Waterman capped set one with an unassisted kill as Montclair squeaked by 25-21.
• The Red Hawks jumped out to a 13-6 lead in the second period before seven of the following eight markers favored USMMA. After a SHELLEY EATON kill pushed the gap to 18-14, the Mariners stormed back with the next six for a 20-18 lead.
• After an unforced attack error from Merchant Marine leveled the period at 21, the visitors notched the final four points to even the match at one.
• 11 of the first 14 tallies in the third stanza went Montclair's way, including a pair of aces from RACHEL CURRAN. The lead swelled to double figures as Montclair pushed the score to 21-7 on a Ramsey kill.
• EMILY FERRI put away a set from EMILY CARCICH for set point, but the guests countered with the next four and forced Montclair into a timeout. The timeout paid dividends, as a service error into the net handed Montclair the 25-13 triumph.
• The fourth frame went back and forth and saw ties at 11, 12, 13, 16, and 19. The Red Hawks, who trailed 19-16, embarked on a 7-0 run to inch in front with Rodman serving. Ramsey slammed down a kill to make it 24-20, but the guests answered with four straight.
• After ties at 25 and 26, Curran put away a set from Carcich to go back in front 27-26. Eaton ended the match with a service as Montclair won 28-26.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Eaton and Curran contributed eight kills apiece, with DiProfio adding five.
• Rodman collected a career-high 27 digs, surpassing her previous best of 20 set twice this season
• Ramsey's 21 kills are the first time she has gone over 20 in her Montclair tenure.

FROM THE COURT
"Tonight was a solid all around effort and great way to celebrate our seniors. Kelly and Skye with a win. I thought we did a great job closing out a tight 4th set. Skye did a great job offensively with 21 kills and Katie with her defense and 27 digs. We look forward to finishing our regular season tomorrow versus two solid teams in New Paltz and DeSales." Head Coach Eddie Stawinski. 
 
UP NEXT
The Red Hawks close out their home slate tomorrow as they take on New Paltz at noon and DeSales at 4 pm.