Manhattanville Volleyball Defeats Farmingdale State in Four Sets

PURCHASE, N.Y. – Hosting Farmingdale State College for an important Skyline Conference matchup, the Manhattanville College volleyball team picked up a 3-1 win in front of the home crowd on Thursday night. The victory (25-16, 25-16, 23-25, 25-15) improves the Valiants' 2021 record to 9-4 overall and 3-1 against the Skyline. Manhattanville continues their strong play in the friendly confines of Kennedy Gymnasium, improving to 5-1 on their home court this season.

Vianca Vital (Carolina, Puerto Rico/Perpetuo

Socorro) earned her eighth double-double of the season, her third straight match eclipsing 10 digs and assists. Manhattanville's assist leader was at it once again, dishing out 36 helpers while collecting 19 digs. The junior has now earned 320 assists this season, leading the Skyline Conference with 8.65 assists per set.

Alongside Vital, two other Valiants reached double figures in digs. Grace Ballagas (Carolina, Puerto Rico/Robinson School) extended her team lead in the category with 29. The freshman's 5.28 digs per set continues to lead the Skyline. Alejandra Figueroa (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico/Colegio Rosa-Bell) was also heavily involved in the defensive game with a season-high 13 digs.

On the attack front, Hannah Pena (Goshen, N.Y./Goshen) and Figueroa combined for 25 kills. Pena's 13 marked a season high, while the 12 from Figueroa earned the senior her first double-double of the year.

Trailing 13-11 in the first set, the Valiants went on a 5-0 run following a Farmingdale service error to put them ahead in the frame for good. Manhattanville would take the first point on the heels of a 7-1 run to close out the set. A four- and five-point run to open up the second gave Manhattanville a 10-4 advantage that put them in control and take a two set lead.

The Rams refused to go quietly, playing a very strong third set. While the Valiants seemingly had an answer to every point the Rams scored, a crucial four point run put Farmingdale State ahead 17-12. While the Valiants continued to fight and claw, cutting the lead down to one, the Rams were able to pick up the 25^th point on a Madeline Stanley kill.

Rebounding quickly, the Valiants roared out to an 8-2 advantage in the fourth set. The hole proved too steep for the Rams to climb out of, as Vital put the finish on yet another strong night with two straight aces to pick up the set and match victory.

Up Next
The Valiants will continue to play host over the weekend, welcoming Yeshiva University to Purchase for a Skyline match on Sunday at noon.

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