CAMDEN, N.J. – Clutch scoring by Rutgers-Camden (4-9, 2-1 NJAC) proved to be the difference Thursday as the William Paterson volleyball team (5-5, 0-3 NJAC) came up short to the Scarlet Raptors 3-0 in conference play.
 
Juniors Christine Griffith (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands Regional) and Amanda Lembo (North Haledon, N.J./DePaul Catholic), along with sophomore Alyson Toman (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) each recorded seven kills to lead the Pioneers. Junior Chelliah Phillips (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) had a great defensive game at the net, recording four solo blocks and five total blocks in the match.
 
In the opening set, the Pioneers found themselves down 24-21 late in the stanza, but rallied with two points to cut the deficit down to one. The Scarlet Raptors had the answer however, putting an end to the run with a kill to close out the set and set the tone for the match. Rutgers-Camden controlled the second set easily, leading by as many as ten points at 20-10 before the Pioneers took three straight points. Not allowing William Paterson to gain momentum, the Scarlet Raptors three kills and two aces to take the second set 25-15.
 
Not going down easily, William Paterson rallied in the third set and led 22-19 late as they looked to extend the match and force a fourth set. Once again Rutgers-Camden had the answer though as they rallied off six consecutive points to stop the Pioneer momentum, taking the match in straight sets.
 
The Pioneers will look to get back on the winning track Saturday when they travel to the College of Staten Island for two matches against the host Dolphins and Brooklyn College.
 
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