WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson volleyball team (1-1) started its season by splitting a pair of home matches Sept. 4, defeating Rutgers-Newark (0-3) 3-1 in non-conference action after a 3-1 opening loss to Cedar Crest (2-0).
 
MATCH ONE
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After an opening 25-10 loss to the Falcons, the Pioneers fought back for a 25-22 second-set win. Cedar Crest was able to fend off WP for 25-20 and 25-21 victories during the third and fourth sets.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior outside hitter Dakota Apicella (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) collected 21 digs and a career-best 16 kills, while junior middle hitter Leila Ksiyer (Bogota, N.J./Bogota ) contributed 16 kills and 11 digs.
• Junior middle hitter Kathleen Burrough (North Burlington, N.J./North Burlington) established a new career high with 21 digs, and senior setter Kristin Volavka (Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley) had 36 assists and 16 digs.

 
MATCH TWO
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• WP opened its non-conference tilt with Rutgers-Newark by taking the first two sets, 25-15 and 25-20, but stumbled in the third set, 20-25. Eight ties and four lead changes marked the fourth set, but the Pioneers were able to finish off a 25-20 victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Ksiyer put down a career-best 17 kills, adding 13 digs and three solo blocks. Apicella tacked on 14 kills and 21 digs.
• Volavka tallied 30 assists and nine digs.
• The victory marked the first for first-year WP head coach Kevin Rodgers.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson hosts Drew Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7:00 p.m.

 
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