GLASSBORO, N.J. – The William Paterson volleyball team (10-1, 1-1 NJAC) put forth its finest performance of the season, claiming a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Rowan (10-5, 1-2 NJAC) on Sept. 20.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• With the first set tied 14-14, back-to-back kills by Alyson Toman (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) forced the Profs into a timeout. Following the break, the Pioneers increased their lead with a trio of Chelliah Phillips (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) kills. Amanda Lembo's (North Haledon, N.J./DePaul Catholic) attack capped off WP's 25-16 victory in the opening frame.
• Set two saw Rowan claim a commanding 19-12 lead. Three kills, two by Toman and one by Jamie O'Shea (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Hills) got the Pioneers within four but that would be the closet they would get as the deficit proved too much as the Profs took the set, 25-19.
• After Kendall Caruso's (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus) service ace got William Paterson within four, 15-11, Rowan went on a 6-0 run and cruised to a 25-15 victory in the third set.
• The fourth set was another back-and-forth affair as neither team was able to gain any separation. Tied at 23-23, a Rowan service error, coupled with a Phillips kill, put the Profs away and evened the match at 2-2.
• Facing match point in the final set, Toman smashed a pair of kills as the Pioneers took the final three points and the set, 16-14.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Caruso had one of the finest games of her career, tallying 46 assists and a team-high 20 digs.   
• Toman led all players with 21 kills, while Lembo posted a double-double of 14 kills and 18 digs.
• Dakota Apicella (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) notched 18 defensive scoops, Barbara Colizza (Hawthorne, N.J./Hawthorne) totaled 16, and Christine Griffith (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands Regional) added 17 to go along with three blocks.
• Kailey Gallagher and Jamie Shirtz shared top honors for Rowan with 15 kills apiece.

 
UP NEXT:

• WP returns home for a non-conference tri-match with Cedar Crest and John Jay on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11:00 a.m.   

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