BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A powerful start shot the William Paterson volleyball team (14-8) past Pratt Institute (7-8), 3-0 on the road Thursday evening in a non-conference matchup.
 
Junior Christine Griffith (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands Regional) had another big offensive night for the Pioneers, putting down seven kills while adding seven service aces on the serve line. Junior setter finished with a 20-20 night, tallying 29 assists and 24 digs in the win.
 
It was all Pioneers early, as WP jumped out to an 8-1 advantage before rattling off 15 consecutive points to run away with the opening stanza, 25-3. The Cannoneers responded in a big way after the shock in the first set though, taking an 18-16 lead late in the second frame. The Pioneers had the answer though, using another big rally with seven straight points to go up 23-18 and never looked back, taking a 2-0 advantage into the third set.
 
Looking the close out the match, The Pioneers found themselves leading 22-19 late in the set, but this time it was Pratt with the response. The Cannoneers took the final six points of the frame behind four kills and a service ace to stay alive and force a fourth set. WP bounced back in the fourth however, taking control early and running away with the decisive frame, 25-14 for the victory.
 
The Pioneers return to action Saturday for their final tri-match of the season when they take host Old Westbury and New Jersey City beginning at 10:00 a.m.
 
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