Aug. 31, 2009

For the complete NE-10 volleyball release click here

Junior Sarah Coscia (Pittsfield, MA) compiled 29 kills and 17 digs in the opening weekend of River Hawk volleyball, earning her Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Week honors.

Coming alive in the weekend's second match, Coscia erupted with 18 kills, 17 digs and three blocks in a five-set win over Franklin Pierce. She operated with deadly accuracy, finishing the match with a .405 attack percentage. In Friday's loss to Gannon, the outside-hitter managed 11 kills and a .304 attack percentage.

Senior setter Nichole Rondeau (Dracut, MA) was the key for Coscia's big weekend, setting her up with countless passes en route to 67 assists and the NE-10's Setter of the Week award. Rondeau had 24 assists and eight digs in the loss to the Golden Knights before dishing out 43 assists and 15 digs against the Ravens.

After the first weekend of play, Coscia ranks first in the NE-10 in kills (3.62) and fourth in hitting percentage (.367). Rondeau stands atop of the NE-10 in assists (8.38) and is ninth in digs (2.75).

UMass Lowell will travel to Connecticut this weekend for four games at the Bridgeport Tournament. The River Hawks' first opponent will be rival Merrimack on Friday at 1 p.m., followed by the tournament host at 7 p.m.