RIVERDALE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Women's Volleyball team (2-7) defeated the Rams of University of Rhode Island (3-9) in straight sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-15) inside Draddy Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Following the teams' initial home opener on Tuesday, the Jaspers were eager to hit their home floor for the first time in 2025.
- They did so after doubling up the Rams early in the match with Fiona Van Dyke recording her third kill in the first 12 points.
- Rhode Island started its comeback by narrowing Manhattan's lead to just two, before the Green and White strung together four straight points highlighted by the powerful arm of Emma Francesconi.
- The Jaspers found its rhythm down the stretch of the first set with another scoring run. This time, at five straight points, highlighted by Emilia Kuzniar's two service aces.
- In the second stanza with the score tied at three, the Jaspers posted six of the next eight points to leapfrog the Rams' with a sizeable lead in tow.
- As the opponent began its comeback, the Jaspers surrendered its lead, until Helenn Montilla jumpstarted the Green and White down the stretch to win the second set on a seven straight scoring run.
- In the third set, the Rams came out firing, but the Jaspers found its groove by responding with an 11-2 run to give itself a 15-7 lead, and eventually a straight set victory over Rhode Island.
STATS AND NOTES
- Freshman outside hitter Emma Francesconi recorded her first collegiate double-double by posting 14 kills on 26 attempts and added 10 digs. The Tuscany native also logged one block.
- Sophomore outside hitter Fiona Van Dyke fueled the Jaspers with 12 kills on 33 attempts, while adding seven digs and two service aces.
- Junior setter Emilia Kuzniar posted a team high five service aces through three sets. The transfer from Albany also logged a team high 17 set assists, while adding three digs to her individual ledger.
- Sophomore setter Hunter Kwan recorded 12 set assists and one dig through three sets played.
- Freshman middle blocker Helenn Montilla recorded four kills on five attempts, with two blocks and one dig on the afternoon.
NEXT UP
The Green and White are back in action on Friday, September 26, when the Jaspers play head to Western New York to face the Purple Eagles of Niagara University for a 6 PM opening serve. The match can be viewed with a paid subscription on ESPN+.
Follow Manhattan Women's Volleyball on X and Instagram (@JaspersVB).
