Pickert Digs No. 2,000 as Volleyball Tops Southern N.H., 3-1
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.- Alyssa Pickert
(Tinley Park, Ill.) became the first Warrior to join the
2,000 dig club Friday evening as the Merrimack volleyball team
rolled to a 3-1 win over Southern N.H. in a non-conference tilt.
The Warriors improved to 6-13 overall while the Penmen fall to 9-8
on the year.
Merrimack began the night by jumping out to a 1-0 lead by
cruising to take the first set 25-15. Southern N.H. answered by
winning the second set 25-19 to even the match score at a set each.
The Warriors dominated the third set, claiming a 2-1 lead with a
convincing 25-13 victory.
The fourth set saw many lead changes and momentum swings.
Merrimack racked up a quick 7-2 lead but the Penmen rallied to tie
the score at 10-10. The Warriors would increase the margin to three
before the visitors crawled back into the game by evening the score
at 16-16. Southern N.H. put the pressure on as it took its first
lead of the fourth game but Merrimack would not allow the visitors
to knot the score.
Facing two set points, Merrimack stayed afloat with a pair of
kills to extend the game and tie it at 24-24. The Penmen staved off
the Warriors' first match point but Merrimack would gain another
opportunity. Serving for the win, Elyse Lorenz
(Frankfort, Ill.) landed her sixth ace of the night,
capping off an exciting final game.
Molly Cindric
(Westlake Village, Calif.) paced the home team with 18
kills while Jenna Riley (Northport, N.Y.) added
10. Lorenz registered 36 assists and Pickert finished with 18
digs.
"The team put forth a great effort tonight. Southern New
Hampshire really put us in a tough spot by battling in the fourth
set and nearly forcing a fifth. It was good to see the girls put
their minds to the game and raise their intensity and focus to end
it," said head coach Joey Pacis. "Alyssa has been a wonderful
player for us over the past four years. It has been an honor to
coach her and help her achieve 2,000 digs. I'm sure this milestone
at Merrimack will not be touched for quite some time."
The Warriors will honor their five seniors before tomorrow
afternoon's match against St. Anselm. The Northeast-10 Conference
matchup is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start at Volpe Gym.
