WEST HARTFORD, CONN. - The Sarah Lawrence women's volleyball team overcame a first-set loss to defeat the Blue Jays of the University of Saint Joseph 3-1 on the road on Saturday. The Gryphons saw first-year setter Valerie Hertig claim the program's single-match assist record after totaling 48 in the victory.

Notable Performers

• The aforementioned Hertig racked up 48 assists in addition to five block assists and a trio of service aces
• Fellow first year Nikolet Vataj totaled an efficient 14 kills plus 16 digs and three aces of her own
• Athena Kazos led the team in kills with 17, adding in five total blocks and five aces
• Georgi Massey earned a double-double with 14 kills and 15 digs while also registering three aces

How it Happened

In the opening set, both teams fought hard, but Saint Joseph managed to pull ahead with a 29-27 win. Sarah Lawrence showed resilience, keeping the score close and battling through multiple ties and lead changes. Despite strong performances by key players such as Georgi Massey and Nikolet Vataj, the Blue Jays capitalized on a few critical errors by the Gryphons, securing the set with a service ace. The second set saw a determined Sarah Lawrence team take control, bouncing back with a dominant 25-12 victory. Their attack was much more cohesive, with Kazos and Hertig leading the charge. Kills from five different Gryphons made it difficult for Saint Joseph, and Sarah Lawrence steadily built a commanding lead. The Blue Jays struggled to counter the offensive effort by SLC, allowing the Gryphons to even the match at one set apiece. The momentum stayed with Sarah Lawrence in the third set, which they won 25-20. Saint Joseph managed to stay competitive, keeping the score within reach, but the Gryphons' consistent play in the middle of the set proved decisive. Massey and Kazos continued to make an impact, delivering key kills that thwarted any comeback attempt by the Blue Jays. Despite some late pressure from Saint Joseph, Sarah Lawrence's defense held firm to claim a 2-1 lead in the match. The final set was a tight contest, with the hosts looking to force a fifth set. However, Sarah Lawrence closed out the match with a 25-19 win. Clutch serving and strong net play helped them finish off the Blue Jays, with five kills from Massey and a pair of late blocks by Jenna Lehnhart playing key roles in the win.

Up Next

The Gryphons (6-3, Skyline 1-0) return to action on Monday as they travel to Brooklyn for a matchup with Pratt Institute on the campus of St. Joseph's Brooklyn. The match will begin at 7:00 p.m. as the Gryphons look to add to their three-game win streak.