Swiderski posts double-double

COLCHESTER, Vt. (October 18, 2011) – Freshman outside hitter Catie Swiderski (Rocky Point, N.Y.) finished with 10 kills and 11 digs to post a double-double on Tuesday night, but the Franklin Pierce University volleyball team was defeated, 3-0, by Saint Michael's in Northeast-10 Conference play at Ross Sports Center. Sophomore middle Chelsey Covitz led Saint Michael's with 11 kills in the victory.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 9-10 (3-5 Northeast-10), while Saint Michael's improves to 14-11 (3-5 Northeast-10). The Purple Knights swept to the victory by set scores of 25-18, 25-21 and 25-18.

For the Ravens, Swiderski led the offense with her 10 kills, while sophomore middle Ashley Bruce (Hampton Falls, N.H.) hit a team-best .240 and added nine kills, while sophomore right side Natasha Ray (Colorado Springs, Colo.) chipped in eight. The trio worked off the set of sophomore Stephanie Svorinic (Scottsdale, Ariz.), who dished out 30 assists.

Defensively, sophomore libero Lauren Miller (Alexandria, Ind.) led four Ravens in double digits with 24 digs. Ray followed with 14 digs of her own, while Swiderski and sophomore defensive specialist Michelle Marguette (North Kingstown, R.I.) added 11 each. At the net, Swiderski notched three block assists.

Behind Covitz for Saint Michael's, junior outside hitter Katie Walsh had nine kills, while junior right side Tracy Peterka added eight and sophomore middle Lindsay Phenix hit a match-best .286 with seven kills. The Purple Knights ran the offense through sophomore setter Jess McLeod, who dished out a match-high 38 assists.

Defensively, junior libero Courtney Dunne led the way with 25 digs, while Peterka (17), Walsh (11) and sophomore outside hitter Brianna Saunders (11) all reached double digits behind her. Up front, Covitz picked up three blocks (one solo).

The Ravens return to the court on Saturday, Oct. 22, when they return home to host Saint Rose in a Northeast-10 Conference match. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Fieldhouse in Rindge.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics).