Volleyball Splits Two Non-Conference Matches at Kutztown

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Playing the first two of three matches at Kutztown University this weekend, the University of Bridgeport's volleyball team split a pair of non-conference contests on Friday. The Purple Knights were defeated by Fairmont State in the opener before taking down Franklin Pierce in the finale. UB is now 3-2 to begin this season.

MATCH No. 2 – Bridgeport 3, Franklin Pierce 2 (23-25, 26-28, 25-19, 25-15, 15-5)
The Purple Knights showed terrific resolve in their second match of the day. UB battled back from two sets down against the Ravens, closing out the match with a pair of dominant frames.

Paola Hernandez piloted UB's comeback with a career effort. The senior piled up a career-high 25 kills while hitting a team-best .360. She also added eight digs, two aces and two blocks.

Another senior, Jaden Drollinger, was also sensational for UB. The Arizona native delved out a season-high 57 assists to go along with eight digs, four aces and two kills.

Three more Purple Knights joined Hernandez with double-figure kills. Lucia Tomiello, Hailey Jessen and Grace Presswood combined for 35 putaways. Tomiello chipped in a team-high five blocks as well.

Kenyce Johnson led UB in the digs department for the third time this season. She finished with 20 in the match.

MATCH No. 1 – Fairmont State 3, Bridgeport 1 (25-20, 16-25, 26-24, 26-24)
Hernandez and Drollinger also led the way in the opener for Bridgeport. Hernandez finished with her third straight double-double with 17 kills and 14 digs while Drollinger logged 50 more assists. Drollinger notched 19 digs as well.

UB's box score also featured Jessen with 15 kills and Tomiello with 10 while Presswood picked up a team-high 20 digs. Presswood finished just one kill short of a double-double as well.

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The Purple Knights will play a final match at Kutztown tomorrow against the host Bears at 6 p.m.