NEW YORK, N.Y. – William Paterson women's volleyball (5-3, 0-1) split two matches Saturday afternoon at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, defeating the host Bloodhounds 3-0 before falling to Wesley 3-2 in a dramatic five setter in their second match.
 
Sophomore Alyson Toman (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) had a big day for the Pioneers, putting down 30 kills over the two matches, while junior Christine Griffith (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands Regional) added 22 kills and 34 digs. Freshman Dakota Apicella (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) added 24 digs on the defensive end and junior setter Kendall Caruso (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) tallied 70 assists over the two matches.
 
The Pioneers made quick work of the Bloodhounds in the opening match, taking the first three sets 25-12, 25-8, and 25-15 in just 65 minutes. Griffith led the offensive attack with 10 kills in the match, as William Paterson hit .338 as a team in the win.
 
It was another strong start for the Pioneers in match number two, as William Paterson took the opening two sets 25-23 and 25-18. The Wolverines would not go away quietly though, taking sets three and four to force a fifth set tiebreaker. After the Pioneers took a 4-1 lead to begin the fifth set, the Wolverines came storming back with four consecutive points to take a 5-4 lead. The back and forth action continued deep into the set when the two squads found themselves tied 12-12.
 
Two kills by Toman made it match point for William Paterson, 14-13, but the Pioneers could not convert the rest of the way. The Wolverines used two kills and a block to take the next three points and complete the comeback with a 16-14 win in the fifth set.
 
The Pioneers return to action Tuesday when they host Ramapo College in conference action inside the Recreation Center beginning at 7:00 p.m.
 
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