Based on recent history, who would have expected this result? But don't tell that to a confident Roadrunner women's volleyball team, which turned a major corner Tuesday night to stun visiting Raritan Valley Community College 3-1 in a key Region XIX and GSAC battle.
The Runners dropped the opening set by a 25-17 score -- before settling in and sweeping the next three sets by scores of 25-17, 25-22, and 25-23. The win dropped the Lions to 7-3 overall on the season while the upstart Roadrunners improved to 4-5 overall -- the win also avenged an earlier 3-1 loss to RVCC two weeks ago.
"I've never beaten them as a coach, so this felt good," said Pierson, a third year coach. "We knew they were talented and this was not going to be a piece of cake. We knew we needed to earn the win."
Click here for photo highlights vs. Rarirtan Valley
The match also marked the first time the Runners had a full roster on display this season. Playing particularly well were setter Lina Russo (Cherry Hill), who led the team in kills; setter Taylor Caldas (Gloucester Catholic); libero Katie Burritcher (Our Lady of Mercy); and setter Lauren Coffey (Williamstown). Russo and Burritcher did not play in early season loss to RVCC, a key factor in the home win this time around.
"It was great to see what we could do with a full roster for the first time this season," said Pierson. "We had to wait out some eligibility issues, and now we're looking to build from here. We have a lot to look forward to."
Next up for the Runners will be Manor College in a home match on Thursday, Sept. 19 in a 6 pm start.
Game Preview
The RCSJ Women's Volleyball team will continue their battle tonight for a Region XIX playoff spot when they host talented Raritan Valley Community College. Coach Rebecca Pierson's team, which lost to RVCC earlier this month, are coming off a heart-breaking loss to Union County College this past Saturday.
The Runners, who competed in last season's Region XIX Tournament for the first time in school history, have received excellent play from freshman Katie Burrichter (Our Lady of Mercy Academy) and setters Mackenzie Long (Williamstown) and Dominque Marcano (Washington Township). Taylor Caldas, the lone sophomore on the roster, has also played well.
Game time tonight begins at 7:00 pm. See details below.
GAME DAY INFORMATION
Raritan Valley CC at RCSJ-Gloucester
September 17, 2019
Match time: 7:30 pm
Hosted by:
Roadrunner Athletics
Deptford, NJ
Coaches:
Rebecca Pierson, RCSJ Gloucester
Phil Herro, Raritan Valley
Records:
Roadrunners: 3-5 overall, 1-1 region
Raritan Valley CC: 7-2 overall, 2-0 region
