BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) women's volleyball team earned a 3-0 victory over Pratt Institute on Monday night, taking the match 25-12, 25-15, 25-13.
The Bears overcame an early 5-5 tie in the opening set with a 7-1 run and continued to build their lead behind strong serving. Rookies Michelle Piotrowski (Ridgewood, N.Y.) and Abigail Medina (Middle Village, N.Y.) each recorded multiple aces during the set as the Bears took a 1-0 lead.
The Cannoneers stayed within striking distance early in the second, but the Bears created separation with a 7-1 run to take an 8-3 lead. Carissa Zwiefelhofer (North Bend, Wash.) followed with three consecutive service aces as SJBK extended its advantage and eventually took the set, 25-15.
In the third, the Bears again established an early lead, opening with back-to-back aces from Zwiefelhofer. Mariana Medrano (El Paso, Texas) added two aces later in the set, and the Bears pulled away down the stretch to complete the sweep, 25-13, their first win at The Hill Center this season.
Flirting with a program record, the Bears racked up 25 service aces in the three-set sweep, with six players recording multiple aces. Zwiefelhofer paced the Bears with seven aces and eight kills, while Piotrowski followed with six aces and five kills. Medina, Medrano, Niño (San Antonio, Texas) and Crespo (Meriden, Conn.) each added three aces, with Crespo also leading the group with three kills.
After missing the Bears' 3-2 victory over Penn State Shenango earlier this month, the win marked Michael McCullough's first as the program's head coach.
The Bears continue their three-match homestand Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m., when they host Brooklyn College.
