Rio Grande takes RSC East Division matchup over Point Park, 3-1

PITTSBURGH-- Point Park University volleyball absorbed a 3-1 defeat to visiting University of Rio Grande (Ohio) Tuesday night at the Student Center Gym.

The RedStorm (15-10, 8-7 RSC) rallied in the first set then won the third and the fourth to come away with the River States Conference victory over the Pioneers (6-16, 3-12 RSC).

Rio Grande made a late run to steal away the first set, 26-24. Point Park had some great play to win the second set, 27-25. Rio Grande took the match 25-16, 25-17 in the clinching sets. 

The teams were matching each other kill for kill the first two sets with Rio Grande having 32 kills through two sets and Point Park with 31. The RedStorm edged the Pioneers the rest of the way, 23-16, to provide a difference. 

Point Park had Giulia Follador (11 kills) and Haley Stormer (10 kills) lead the attack. Amanda Contois added nine kills while Eden McElhaney came up with seven kills and 16 digs.

Elise Wallace turned in a double-double of 22 assists and 11 digs. Fellow setter Ashlynn Gulakowski put up 20 assists and six digs. 

Kenzie Zauner picked up 16 digs, and Lily Marchand collected nine. At the net Mariah Perez tallied seven total blocks. 

Rio Grande had three players in double digits up front with Kelli Stewart 16 kills, Amanda Rarick 13 and Jordan Brooks 10. 

Point Park will go on the road this weekend to play at Shawnee State (Ohio) and IU East on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28 as they make their way through the second time around playing the RSC East Division.