Box Score 

WAYNE, N.J. – Despite jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, the William Paterson volleyball team (5-1) suffered its first loss of the season, a 3-2 decision against visiting U.S. Merchant Marine (3-3) Sept. 14 at the Rec Center.

William Paterson controlled the early action, winning the first set 25-16, before rallying from a 13-19 deficit to win the second set, 26-24. The Mariners opened up an early 9-4 advantage in the third before the Pioneers fought back to get within two (17-19), but USMMA scored six of the final eight points for a 25-19 victory. Neither team could build more than a four-point lead in the fourth set until Merchant Marine strung together four straight points late en route to a 25-18 win. The Mariners quickly built a 10-5 lead in the fifth, but WP was able to get within one at 13-14, before a final service error handed USMMA the 15-13 decision.

Junior Megan Maher (Wood-Ridge, N.J./Wood-Ridge) led the Pioneers with 19 kills, adding 16 assists and 16 digs. Senior Jillian Bronowich (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) had 19 assists, junior Kim Runge (Closter, N.J./Northern Valley Regional-Demarest) posted 18 kills, four assists and a team-best 21 digs, and sophomore Kelly Shaw (Wallington, N.J./Wallington) tallied 13 digs and five kills. Senior Michelle Leeder (Ridgefield, N.J./Ridgefield Memorial) added 15 digs to her nine kills.

Michelle Daneu collected 19 kills to lead Merchant Marine. Jenna Palaschak had 59 assists and 12 digs, while Ana Fuschetto posted 21 digs.

The Pioneers will begin New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play Thursday, Sept. 16, at New Jersey City at 7:00 p.m.