Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (16-6, 5-2 NJAC) defeated Kean University (11-11, 5-2 NJAC) 3-1 for an important conference victory that moved the Ospreys into a three-way tie with the Cougars and William Paterson for second place in the league.
Nicole Palmer (Islip Terrace, N.Y./East Islip) led Stockton with match highs of 19 kills and four aces.
Olivia Magro (Brigantine/ACIT) spiked 12 kills and tied her career high with eight digs.
Ariana Bongiovanni (Charlotte, N.C./Reddington) notched a double-double of 18 assists and 11 digs.
McKenna Ritchie (Newark, Del./Newark Charter) tied Bongiovanni for team high with 11 digs and
Kristen Burton (Annapolis, Md./Archbishop Spalding) handed out 17 assists.
Stockton dropped the first set 25-19 despite seven kills by Palmer. The Ospreys used a 15-5 run to take the second frame 25-18 and even the match as Palmer led the way with four kills.
Stockton trailed 21-17 in the third set, but they exploded with a 8-1 spurt that featured three kills by Palmer. The Ospreys prevailed 25-22 behind four kills apiece by Palmer and Magro for a 2-1 lead.
The fourth stanza went back and forth with nine ties and six lead changes. Trailing 18-15, Stockton vaulted ahead with seven unanswered points for a 22-18 advantage and closed out the match 25-22.
Ashley Torok paced Kean with 17 kills followed by Cayley Elena Morrison with 12 kills and nine blocks. Rae Marrero dished 35 assists for the Cougars.
On Saturday, Stockton will host RIT and Albright at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in a tri-match.
