MANCHESTER, N.H. – Pace University Volleyball opened Northeast 10 Conference play with authority Saturday afternoon, using a dominant first set and another strong finish to secure a 3-1 victory over Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The Setters improved to 6-7 overall and 1-0 in NE10 play.
Pace wasted little time taking control. The Setters committed no attacking errors in the opening set, putting down 10 kills on just 19 attempts for a blistering .526 hitting percentage on the way to a 25-17 victory.
The Penmen responded in a back-and-forth second set that featured 11 ties and seven lead changes. The Penmen eventually escaped with a 27-25 win to even the match, but Pace answered immediately.
The Setters regained control with a 25-22 third-set victory before delivering their most convincing finish of the afternoon. Pace hit .308 in the fourth while holding SNHU to a negative hitting percentage, pulling away for a 25-15 victory to close out the match.
Emily Cineus powered the attack with 10 kills on 21 attempts for a .381 hitting percentage while adding two solo blocks and three block assists. Maggie Hamed also put down 10 kills, while Kadence Ackmann added eight kills and 13 digs. Ileann Alessandra Perez was nearly flawless offensively, converting five kills on seven attempts without an error for a .714 hitting percentage.
Aralyn Saulys directed the offense with 24 assists and added two service aces, while Camila Rodriguez contributed nine assists and three aces. Alice Bender anchored the back row with a team-high 16 digs.
Pace finished with 45 kills and seven service aces while holding Southern New Hampshire to a .024 hitting percentage for the match. The Setters were especially effective at the net, totaling four solo blocks and eight block assists.
The Setters return home Tuesday, Oct. 6, when they welcome Assumption University to Goldstein Fitness Center for an in-conference match-up at 7:00 p.m.
