Box Score 

WAYNE, N.J. – Fourth-seeded William Paterson (21-7) used double-doubles by senior Kelly Helfrich (Clark, N.J./Arthur L. Johnson) and sophomore Megan Maher (Wood-Ridge, N.J./Wood-Ridge) to defeat fifth-seeded Rowan (13-17), 25-13, 25-19 and 25-22, in the first round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Volleyball Tournament Nov. 3 at the Rec Center.

The Pioneers advance to play in the semifinals at top-seeded Montclair State (13-15) Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:00 p.m.

Ahead by one at 12-11 during the first set, the Pioneers scored eight straight points off Helfrich's serve to pull ahead by a 20-11 count en route to a 25-13 opening victory. After an early lead was established by WP, the second set became a tough battle, including a tie at 19-19, before the Pioneers used a pair of Helfrich kills, three straight errors by the Profs and a final kill from junior Michelle Leeder (Ridgefield, N.J./Ridgefield Memorial) for a 25-19 win. William Paterson then jumped out to an 11-4 edge to start the third, and after a mini rally pulled the Profs within three at 17-14, Rowan would get no closer than three points the rest of the way as the Pioneers finished off the match with a 25-22 decision.

Helfrich had 14 kills and 12 digs, adding three total blocks. Maher contributed eight kills, 12 assists and 13 digs, junior setter Jillian Bronowich (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) added 13 assists, and Leeder chipped in with five kills and 10 digs. Freshman Liz Dykhouse (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional) had seven assists and senior Amanda Mitchell (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) compiled six digs for William Paterson.

Senior Chelsea Bowman led the Profs with eight kills. Freshman Megan Mondelli had 16 assists and five digs, freshman Katie Havlicek added six kills and 12 digs, and sophomore Sarah Betancourt contributed 10 digs.