LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Women's Volleyball team (2-13, 1-3 Metro), in the first of its two-game stint in the capital region of New York, dropped its Metro contest to the Saints from Siena (8-8, 3-1 Metro) in four sets (19-25, 15-25, 25-20, 22-25) on Friday evening inside UHY Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Manhattan played things close early, when Mikalah Curran's kill cut the deficit to two at 8-6.
- Four consecutive points capped off by a dual block from Abby Morreale and Katie Powers tied the set at 13-all, and the next tie at 14 was created by a dual block from Morreale and Emilia Kuzniar.
- Emma Franceconi logged three consecutive kills to once again put the margin back at two, this time at 20-18.
- Despite keeping things close, Siena ripped off the final three points and won the opener 25-19.
- The Saints kept their foot on the gas, rallying for the first eight points of the second set, including four service aces from Abby Edwards.
- Manhattan was able to get the score back within five multiple times, but Siena outlasted the Jaspers 25-15 to take a commanding two-set lead.
- Things stayed even to kick off the third, as a multitude of deadlocks started at the first point and continued to the 11th.
- Karsyn Harris' ace along with another Francesconi gave the Green and White the largest lead of either side thus far in the set.
- Two more times the lead of three re-emerged, until two final kills from Margaret O'Brien sealed the deal, securing Manhattan's first set win of the night.
- Much of the same continued in the fourth, as an even play remained a theme as Helenn Montilla and Hanna Kaczynska teamed up for a block to slim the difference to 12-11.
- Manhattan stayed as close as one on a variety of occasions, including three separate times in the 20's, but a final kill from Gabrielle Wire confirmed the fourth set victory to Siena long with the match.
STATS AND NOTES
- Sophomore and Freshman outside hitters Emma Francesconi and Karsyn Harris recorded 15 and 14 kills respectively, setting a new season-high for both.
- Sophomore middle blocker Helenn Montilla led the block party, chiming in with six of her own next to Freshman right side Hanna Kaczynska's five.
- Manhattan hit at their best rate in the final set, with a .273 clip.
- Junior and Senior setters Ori Briger and Emilia Kuzniar spread the wealth the most, accounting for 38 of the Jaspers' 46 assists.
NEXT UP
Alverson and the Jaspers will return home to New York City next weekend starting on Friday, October 9 when they welcome the Purple Eagles of Niagara. Action from Draddy Gymnasium is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. and can be streamed live on Jasper Sports Network.
Follow Manhattan Women's Volleyball on X and Instagram (@JaspersVB).
