RINDGE, N.H. (11/8/24) - The Franklin Pierce women's volleyball team battled hard in a in their final home match against Stonehill, but ultimately fell short in three sets. It was a special day for the Ravens as they honored their lone senior, Avery Theriault (West Hartford, Conn.) before the match.  

Score: FPU 2, St. Anselm 3 

Records: FPU 2-16 (0-8), St. Anselm 7-14 (1-6 NE10) 

Location: The Fieldhouse, Rindge, N.H.  

Date: Friday, November 8, 2024 

HOW IT HAPPENED:  

• Franklin Pierce started strong, with key kills from Lilyanna Petrocelli (Merrimack, N.H.) and Martina Spackova (Bratislava, Slovakia) keeping the score close. However, despite the Ravens' efforts, Saint Anselm gained momentum mid-set thanks to aces and kills from Hollyn Frano and Miia Dembskim securing a series of points that extended their lead. Although Franklin Pierce showed resilience with crucial points from Avery LeBlanc (Exeter, R.I.) and Katholiki Koukia (Rhodes, Greece), Saint Anselm maintained control and ultimately closed the set at 25-18. 

• In the second set, Saint Anselm's Abigail Macalaguim took charge early, setting up multiple successful kills for Frano and Petrina Ofori to establish an early lead. Franklin Pierce attempted to rally, with Koukia and Petrocelli scoring several well-timed kills. However, unforced errors and a string of aces from Macalaguim pushed Saint Anselm further ahead. Saint Anselm closed out the set decisively at 25-12. 

• The third set was tightly contested as the scoring went back-and-forth. As the score reached 23-23, the match was on a knife's edge. Ryan delivered a critical service ace for the Hawks, to put them in a position to win. The Ravens responded with a strong kill by Annaka Lindstrom (Dudley, Mass.) and blocks to go ahead 24-23. The set would end on an attack error to keep the night alive for the Ravens.  

• In the fourth set, the Ravens initially gained momentum with a series of service aces from Spackova, which widened their lead. Although the Hawks fought back with key plays, including service aces from Lacerda, Franklin Pierce maintained control through effective blocks and consistent attacking from Koukia and LeBlanc. LeBlanc secured the final points with a decisive kill, sealing the set victory and forcing another one.  

• Although Franklin Pierce attempted to close the early gap from the Hawks, on kills by Koukia and service aces from Kori Garnhart (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Saint Anselm capitalized on a few Ravens' errors, allowing them to maintain a narrow lead. The Hawks eventually secured the set win and the eventual 3-2 win of the match.  

INSIDE THE LINES:  

• LeBlanc led the team with 14 kills and 2 solo blocks and finished the night with 16.5 points.  

• Garnhart had 21 digs.  

• Lindstrom recorded a team-high 43 assists.  

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The volleyball team will play their final game of the 2024 season on the road at Saint Michael's, Tuesday. The match is set for 7 PM.