Rowan women’s volleyball scored 13 straight points in the a fourth-set on Tuesday night in a, 3-1 win, against New Jersey City University (NJCU) at the John H. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. With the win, the Profs secured a first round bye in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) playoffs and the No. 2 seed overall in the tournament, while finishing 7-1 in conference play.

Rowan’s first three sets against the NJCU Gothic Knights were close. They were back and forth, hard to get a real edge over the other side. With a ,25-23, win in the opening set and, 25-20, win in the third, the Profs found themselves with a, 2-1, advantage heading into what the team hoped would be their final set in the fourth. Then, for the first time all night, a really strong scoring run opened up.

“I think that was probably our best start to the end of a game all year,” interim head coach Matt Verlinghieri. “We probably needed it the most tonight, too.”

It was also a big day for the team’s freshman. Outside hitters Jessica Smart and Abbey Bivona combined for 22 kills in the win.

“I think we definitely deserve this,” Bivona said. “We’ve fought so hard this season with everything we’ve gone through. And we are just a very talented team.”

Abby Chadwick  tallied 11 kills and co-led the team with two service aces with Ciara Bradley. Bradley was also another player – one of five – to have double figures in kills with ten, one short of Jena Kaul’s 11.

On the defensive side, Verlinghieri highlighted Vanessa Hutchinson, whose 20 digs were game-leading. Defensive specialist Gabby Cooper added 14 digs and had a service ace.

And finally, Raven Albrecht was highlighted. The freshman setter had 10 digs and 45 assists, just five assists short of her season high set on Sept. 20.

Rowan finished tied for first in the NJAC, and with their loss to Kean back on Oct. 21, secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.. Rowan is set to face the winner of No. 3 Stockton and No. 6 Ramapo, a quarterfinal match on Nov. 11. 

The semifinals will take place at Esby Gymnasium on November 13, and Rowan’s regular season finishes on Saturday as the Profs face Widener and Susquehanna at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.

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