Riverdale, N.Y. ? Manhattan beat fellow MAAC rival, Rider University today at Draddy Gym, 3-0. The Lady Jasper's offense was sparked by a 14 kill performance by junior Jackie Kapovich.
Manhattan was looking to improve on its MAAC record as they took on Rider University in Riverdale. In the first game, the Lady J's jumped out to an early 13-9 lead. But soon after, they found the game tied at 13, as the Broncs battled back with four consecutive points. But due to the 6 kills by outside hitter Kapovich, the Lady Jaspers pulled out in front 20-16. They would not let their lead diminish as Manhattan held on strong to win the first game, 30-22.
With the Lady J's up 1-0 in the match, they came out looking tough as they were up by 6 (8-2) in the beginning of the second game. Junior Andrea Reiff and sophomore Rita Welsh combined for seven kills in the game. But that wasn't enough as Rider battled back and down the stretch the game was tied at 28. But the Lady Jaspers left it all out on the floor as they took the second game, 30-28 and led the match 2-0. The third game was a back and forth battle between the two teams. Manhattan was battling for a victory and Rider was fighting to avoid a loss. There were six ties throughout the game and neither team was going to give up. With the Lady Jasper's holding on to a slim 18-16 lead, the team came out strong and scored eight consecutive points to go up, 26-16. From then on, Manhattan coasted to a 30-18 game three win and a 3-0 victory.
Kapovich led all players with 14 kills and hit an impressive .480 on the day. The Manhattan offense was paced by junior Alyssa Getzel's 46 assists. The defense was held solid as three Lady Jaspers had 10 or more kills on the day.
Manhattan gets back in action tomorrow, Sunday, October 20, traveling to Jersey City, N.J. to take on Saint Peter's College in a MAAC match slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.
