RINDGE, N.H. (November 6, 2015) – The Franklin Pierce University Ravens Volleyball team played solid defense all night, collecting 14 total team blocks and receiving a solid game from senior Catherine Purdy (Ossining, N.Y.) who collected a game-high 19 digs, but those efforts would fall short as Katarina Krstonosic smashed a game-high 15 kills for the University of Bridgeport Purple Knights as they defeated the Ravens 3-1 at the Fieldhouse Friday evening.

With the loss, the Ravens maintain their conference record but suffer in possible regional implications, falling to 16-8 overall (10-1 Northeast-10). Bridgeport improves to 20-8 on the season (12-1 ECC) and makes a case for a possible top seed in the region.

Franklin Pierce came out flying, controlling match tempo with help from sophomore Hannah St. Jean (Olympia, Wash.) who began the match with two kills. The Ravens extended out to a 20-12 lead over the regional powerhouse and never looked back, dominating with a 25-17 win, capped by a kill from sophomore Madison Klusendorf (Santa Maria, Calif.).

Much of the same began set two for the Ravens, as they took an early lead to only this time see it disappear. With the set tied at 19-19, the Ravens ran off four points in a row to put the set at 23-19, putting Franklin Pierce in the driver's seat. To not be outdone, Bridgeport then stepped up and the Ravens couldn't keep control of the wheel, watching Sarah Rosa go off for three service aces and two other points for five points in Bridgeport's direction. Those five points would give Bridgeport the 25-23 win, tying the match at 1-1.

The Ravens once again came out swinging, not letting the Purple Knights breath off the start. In a blink of an eye, Franklin Pierce once again had a commanding lead at 20-13. In the turning point of the match, Bridgeport once again staged a comeback the Ravens could not stop, failing to apply a Band-Aid to a match that became 22-22 after a magnificent run by the Purple Knights. After an attack error by Bridgeport giving the Ravens the 23-22 lead, the Purple Knights spun off three straight points with two kills and an ace by Rosa to clinch the set 25-23, taking a 2-1 lead in the match.

Set four, Bridgeport flexed their muscles off the start, shutting down what seemed a deflated Ravens squad. Starting off with a 5-1 lead, Bridgeport did not stop there, ultimately winning the set 25-17 after a late run by the Ravens fell short. The set win gave Bridgeport the 3-1 match victory.

Freshman Katie Leidhold (Acushnet, Mass.) led the offensive attack with a team-high 14 kills, while Klusendorf finished with a solid 11 kills along with 11 digs for a double-double. Sophomore Hannah Runge (Deltona, Fla.) tossed out 36 assists on the night. However, it was defense who rang strong, as both St. Jean and freshman Abigail Sonuga (Haverhill, Mass.) each put a hand in six of the team's 14 kills on the night. Behind Purdy's effort with 19 digs was senior Sarah MacHugh (Red Hook, N.Y.) who finished with 16 digs.

For Bridgeport behind Krstonosic's 15 kill effort came a 10 kill effort from Rosa, as the only two finishing in double-digits in the category. Ellie Rich tossed out 37 assists on the night, as Frida Randen led the defensive charge putting her hand in six of the team's nine blocks on the night. Amilie Guinci finished with a team-high 19 digs, while Rosa and Krstonosic each recorded double-digits in that department to complete a double-double each.

The Ravens return to the court tomorrow, Saturday, November 7, for their final home game of the season as they will honor both MacHugh and Purdy in their Senior Day against Assumption. Game time is set for 1 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).