NEW HAVEN, Conn. (10/7/22) - The Franklin Pierce University volleyball battled through a five-set thriller with host Southern Connecticut State on Friday evening. The Ravens were held a 2-1 advantage after three sets, but ultimately couldn't hang on as the Owls pulled away in the final two sets, taking a 3-2 loss on the road.

Pierce volleyball slips to 6-8 (1-3 NE10) on the season with the loss, as the Owls improve to 13-8 (2-3 NE10) with their second consecutive victory.

The Ravens opened the action on a high note with a 25-17 win in the first set, which was fueled by an 11-3 scoring run from a 14-14 deadlock. In addition to several errors on behalf of the Owls, senior Tessa Brandt (Foster, R.I) led the offensive efforts with four kills and a .333 hitting percentage in the early goings, with three others recording at least two kills.

Following an Owl victory in the second stanza, both teams came out hungry for the lead in the third set. Southern Connecticut was able to maintain a lead for the majority of the set, but could not shake a resilient response effort by the Ravens that eventually saw the lead flipped late. Senior Mariah Robles (West Covina, Calif.) was able to string together three kills in the sequence, giving the Birds a 23-21 on the way to a 25-23 set triumph, and a 2-1 match lead.

The Ravens held the advantage through the bulk of the fourth set, before facing a late surge by the Owls, who clawed back with a 11-3 scoring run after after trailing 19-14 to claim a 25-22 win to force a fifth set.

Entering the deciding frame, the Owls maintained the momentum and jumped to a 8-1 lead early. A few plays later, while still maintaining a 12-6 advantage, the Ravens discovered some momentum of their own and found themselves back in it with a 6-1 run, bringing the score to 13-12 in favor of Southern Connecticut. In heartbreaking fashion, the Owls would finish the task at hand and secure the final two points, spoiling the comeback efforts with a 15-13 set win for the final match triumph.  

Despite the loss, the Ravens saw two players set new career-bests with Tessa Brandt collecting 23 total kills, as well as freshman Annaka Lindstrom (Dudley, Mass.) snagging 46 total assists, with both also recording double-doubles. In addition, Ingrid Lindstrom (Dudley, Mass) and Mariah Robles recorded double-digit figures, as each contributed 10 and 11 kills respectively on the evening. 

Volleyball will have a short break before their next matchup, when they will return home to The Fieldhouse to host in-state rival Southern New Hampshire University at 7 PM.