NEW HAVEN, Conn. (September 13, 2014) – Senior Catie Swiderski (Rocky Point, N.Y.) slammed home 32 kills over two matches, but it wasn't enough as the Franklin Pierce University women's volleyball team was defeated by New Haven 3-1 and Queens (N.Y.) 3-2.

In the first match, Franklin Pierce came out strong, staging a close first set, losing 25-20. The Ravens then took the Chargers to the brink yet again in set two, where New Haven was able to pull out the 25-21 win. In set three, the Ravens ended up on the right side of close play, as they took the 26-24 win. Then the Chargers took control in set four, and took a commanding 25-18 win, giving them the match victory.

The Ravens once again had trouble on the attacking side of the ball, hitting .056 for the match, and committing 40 errors between attacks and serves.

Freshman Hannah Runge (Deltona, Fla.) did her part on offense, tossing around 32 assists in the match, while defensively junior Sarah MacHugh (Red Hook, N.Y.) chipped in 16 digs.

For New Haven, nine different players chipped in with kills, with Kristy Atufunwa leading the way with nine. Kaulana Ane (25) and Annika Hacker (12) each recorded double-digit assists, while Kea-Marie Olaso led the way with 15 digs.

In match two, Swiderski shined once again, this time with 17 kills. Runge also came through with a career-high 35 assists as the Ravens went the full five sets against Queens (N.Y.).

The Ravens took the first set 25-18 and got off to a quick start. That was followed up with a heartbreaking losses in set two and three 26-24. Franklin Pierce then made a bounce back with a 25-19 win in set four, before the Ravens dropped the fifth and final set 15-10.

MacHugh was outstanding defensively recording 34 digs on the match, while three other Ravens recorded double-figure digs.

The Ravens take the court next on Friday, September 19 when they play a doubleheader against American International and Saint Rose at the AIC Yellow Jacket Invitational.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce volleyball apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).