BOX SCORE

WAYNE, N.J. – William Paterson (9-0, 1-0 NJAC) remained perfect while winning its New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) volleyball opener, defeating New Jersey City (2-1, 0-1 NJAC), 3-1, Sept. 15.  Senior outside hitter Kim Runge (Closter, N.J./Northern Valley Regional-Demarest) posted 23 kills and 29 digs to pace the Pioneers.

WP jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the first set, only to see the Gothic Knights cut it to one at 16-15.  The Pioneers reeled off five straight points to make it 21-15, and held off a late NJCU surge for a 25-21 opening win.  Tied at 22-22, an Indigo Hatcher block, Kiara Martinez kill and WP hitting error helped New Jersey City win the second set, 25-22.  The Pioneers opened up a 7-2 lead to start the third, but NJCU fought back to tie it at 20-20.  William Paterson scored the next five points, the last four on NJCU errors, for a 25-20 victory, and the Pioneers scored nine of the final 14 points for a fourth-set 25-20 triumph.

Freshman middle hitter Shauna VanDeRee (Waldwick, N.J./Waldwick) contributed 14 kills, junior setter Liz Dykhouse (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional) collected a team-best 18 assists to go along with 13 digs, and junior libero Michelle Mitchell (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) had 18 digs for William Paterson.  Freshman setter Danielle Koukos (Midland Park, N.J./Midland Park) added 14 assists and classmate Katelyn Malloy (Leonia, N.J./Leonia) pitched in 12 assists for WP.

Senior Tabitha Jordan led NJCU with 17 kills, adding 14 digs.  Freshman Cindy Garcia dished out 34 assists and senior Michelle Rayo had 37 digs.

William Paterson will play at King's Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1:00 p.m.