Becker Surges Past Volleyball in Fifth Set

LEICESTER, Mass. - The University of Saint Joseph was downed in a thrilling five-set non-conference volleyball match by the Becker College Hawks on Thursday night inside Leicester Gymnasium. The Hawks won the match 3-2, defeating the Blue Jays 26-24, 20-25, 29-27, 22-25 and 15-2 in sets. The loss drops the Blue Jays to 4-8 on the season, while Becker improves to 7-8. 

The Hawks of Becker were led by junior middle blocker Kayla Dupree (North Bergen, N.J.) with 13 kills and three service aces. Sophomore outside hitter Gillian Criddle (Earleville, Md.) had a dominant day at the net, with eight total blocks and six kills. Junior libero Courtney Cotnoir (Douglas, Mass.) finished with a match-high 40 digs, while senior setter Charlene Landry (Gorham, Maine) finished with five service aces, 24 set assists and 14 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Sofia Cullina (Deep River, Conn.) added nine kills and 29 digs.

The Blue Jays of USJ were led by senior middle blocker Hannah Lemek (Bristol, Conn.) with a career-high and match-high 23 kills to go along with seven digs. Sophomore outside hitter Jasmine Buckley (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) recorded 16 kills and a career-high 32 digs, while junior right side Carly Ruzbasan (Torrington, Conn.) contributed 11 kills and a career-high 25 digs. Junior setter Brenna Miller (McCleary, Wash./Elma) posted a career-high and match-high 50 set assists. 

Becker is back on the court on Saturday when they travel to Rhode Island College to compete in a tri-match against the host Anchormen and against Bridgewater State beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saint Joseph Connecticut travels to Saint Joseph's College in Maine on Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m.