Hoboken NJ – Stockton University (15-8, 4-2 NJAC) split its two matches on the first day of the Stevens Invitational. The Ospreys swept the host Ducks (17-6) in three sets 25-22, 25-17, 25-19 but then were outlasted by Union College (NY) 3-2 in five frames, 29-27, 25-18, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13.
Stephanie Kovacs (Allentown, PA/Central Catholic) and
Sarah Walsh (Flemington/Hunterdon Central) led the attack in the win over Stevens with 10 kills apiece.
Allie Desmond (Ellicott City, MD/Marriotts Ridge) contributed six kills and four blocks.
Setters
Emily Sullivan (Bridgewater/Bridgewater-Raritan) and
Alice Brandt (Floral Park, NY/Floral Park) dished 21 and 13 assists respectively.
Natalie Miller (Pittsburgh, PA/Thomas Jefferson) paced the back row with nine digs and also served one ace.
Stockton rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force a deciding fifth set against Union but was unable to complete the comeback. Walsh established a new career high with 27 kills followed by Kovacs with 17 kills and Desmond with 11.
Brandt handed out a career-high 33 assists while Sullivan notched a double-double of 26 assists and 15 digs. Miller produced another strong effort, this time with career bests of 27 digs and eight assists.
Stockton will be back on the court tomorrow morning to continue play at the Stevens Invitational as the Ospreys face Coast Guard at 10 am followed by FDU-Florham at noon.
