RINDGE, N.H. (October 11, 2014) – With one of the strongest teams in the East Region in town on Saturday night, the Franklin Pierce University volleyball team had a tough task on hand. That did not faze the young Ravens squad, as they continued their winning ways at home with a 3-1 win over the Stonehill College Skyhawks in Northeast-10 Conference play at the Fieldhouse. Senior outside hitter Catie Swiderski (Rocky Point, N.Y.) hit .256 on her way to a match-best 12 kills to lead the way for the Ravens.

The loss marks the first in-conference loss for Stonehill (14-4, 5-1 NE-10) who came into the match atop the Northeast-10 standings. For Franklin Pierce (11-7, 4-2 NE-10) improve their stock in the standings, and make a move that keeps them in the top eight teams.

The Ravens came out strong, setting a strong tone early by jumping to a 10-3 lead. The Skyhawks would make a comeback at one point to come within three points, but the Ravens were able to rattle off five points at the end of the set to take the 25-17 win in set one. In set two, the Ravens once again came out strong, nabbing the first three points. However, the score would be tied at one point at 9-9. From there, the Ravens took over, again with a strong defensive backcourt, and take the set win 25-19. In set three, Stonehill fought back with their backs against the wall with a strong showing. The Skyhawks would win set three 25-14. Finally in set four, both teams played hard, with the Ravens trying to shut it down, while the Skyhawks looked to pull even. It would be Franklin Pierce coming out on top, and taking the set 25-20, and the match 3-1.

Backing up Swiderski's solid night offensively was freshman setter Hannah Runge (Deltona, Fla.), who dished out 24 assists, while also contributing defensively with a team-high 15 digs, earning herself a double-double for a second consecutive game. Sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Hausman (Sandy, Utah) and freshman middle hitter Hannah St. Jean (Sandy, Utah) were strong on both sides of the ball as well, with each one recording six kills apiece, and Hausman having a hand in four blocks while St. Jean contributed in three.

Defense was the name of the game for the Ravens, as sophomore middle hitter Aiden Garcia (Eagle Pass, T.X.) got her hand in four blocks, while Swiderski also stepped in with two. After Runge, three other Ravens also contributed with double-figure digs, as Hausman (13), Catherine Purdy (Ossining, N.Y.) (14), and junior libero Sarah MacHugh (Red Hook, N.Y.) (11) were all in double figures as well.

For Stonehill, leading the way offensively was Delia Phillips and Kelsey Weymouth who each earned 10 kills apiece, while Emily Iverson tossed around a game-high 33 assists. Weymouth would secure a double-double for herself with 10 digs, as the only person in double-figures in that department. Weymouth would also contribute with three blocks, along with teammates Mary-Kate Catton and Katherine DeLanty.

The weak point for the Skyhawks on the game would be a total 14 service errors throughout the four sets, while Franklin Pierce followed behind with eight.

The Ravens will take the road on Tuesday, October 14 when they take on Merrimack at 7 p.m.

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).