JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Manhattan Jaspers Women's Volleyball team (5-14, 4-4 Metro), for the first time since 2023, have won their third consecutive match, tonight over the Peacocks of Saint Peter's (5-16, 4-4 Metro) in four sets (25-21, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16) on Friday evening at Yanitelli Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was the visitors setting the tone early, scoring eight of the match's first 11 points, capped off by a dual block from Helenn Montilla and Mikalah Curran.
- Even with Saint Peter's pulling the set back within three at 16-13, Abby Morreale's service ace finished off three straight scores to go up 19-13, increasing the pressure.
- As the Peacocks tried to pull themselves back in at 24-21, Emma Francesconi's final kill turned the first set in favor of the road team.
- More of the same continued to start the second set, with back-to-back service aces from Ori Briger putting the Green and White up 13-6.
- Five straight points midway through the set put Manhattan firmly in the driver's seat, dialing up their advantage to 21-12.
- Four of the final five scores went to the Green and White to secure a two-set lead over the Peacocks.
- The home team kept the opening portion of the third set tight with the Jaspers, with neither side gaining more than a three-point edge up through each team's 10th point.
- Saint Peter's ripped off six in a row including a service ace to take a 15-11 margin over Manhattan.
- Another service ace from the hosts' gave Saint Peter's their largest lead of the set at 19-14.
- Francesconi and Hanna Kaczynska fed off assists from Emilia Kuzniar to tie the fourth at 22-all.
- Despite knotting up again at 23, the Peacocks won the final two along with their first set of the night.
- Playing even early to start the fourth, Manhattan scored five in a row to double up Saint Peter's 16-8.
- A service ace from Morreale did that once more at 18-9.
- The Green and White controlled the set and match the rest of the way, as Katie Powers got one final kill to win the final set 25-16.
STATS AND NOTES
- Redshirt Junior outside hitter Miklah Curran hit a season-high of 12 kills, leading the Jaspers.
- Senior and Sophomore middle blockers Abby Morreale (7) and Helenn Montilla (6) combined for 13 blocks, with Morreale getting two solo's and Montilla grabbing another.
- Manhattan hit at their best rate in the fourth set, with a season-high .536 clip.
- Junior and Senior setters Ori Briger and Emilia Kuzniar spread the wealth the most, accounting for 46 of the Jaspers' 54 assists.
QUOTES FROM THE JASPERS:
- Head Coach Brooke Alverson: "I'm really proud of the effort this team is showing day in and day out. The opportunities our defense is keeping up for our hitters is showing in the longer rallies. Emilia Kuzniar's double-double with 10 digs and 18 assists lead our offensive front with Ori Briger hitting .344 which was astounding to see. Multiple hitters showing out is helping the offense become balanced. Mikalah Curran showed out with a season-high 12 kills and we're proud of how they're all fighting for Manhattan. Go Jaspers!"
NEXT UP
Alverson and the Jaspers will stay in the Garden State through tomorrow, October 17 when they take on the Broncs of Rider in Lawrenceville. Action from Canastra Hammer Arena is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. and can be streamed live on ESPN+ with a paid subscription.
Follow Manhattan Women's Volleyball on X and Instagram (@JaspersVB).
