Summer Hamilton totaled nine kills as Stevens defeated Vassar in four games.

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (October 4, 2006) – Despite losing a tightly-contested 35-33 decision in the second game, the Stevens Institute of Technology women’s volleyball team recovered to post a 3-1 victory over Vassar College at Kenyon Hall in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  Wednesday night’s contest was a rematch of last year’s opening-round match from the NCAA tournament, which the Ducks won in five games.

With the win over Vassar, Stevens ran its record to 16-3 in 2006.  The Ducks have won nine straight matches following a 3-0 setback to New York University on September 13.  Vassar fell to 16-5 with the loss.

Leading 20-17 in the first game, Stevens reeled off five straight points behind the solid serving of senior setter Micki Biltz (Lakewood, Ohio) to take control.  The Ducks won the game 30-19.  The second game featured 15 ties and numerous lead changes.  After trailing 26-23 at one point, Stevens had a chance to close out the game, but the Ducks could not take advantage of game point at 31-30.  Tied at 33-all, the Brewers scored the final two points to pull out the victory.

Tied at 10-10 in the third game, sophomore outside hitter Melanie Volk (Thompson Station, Tenn.) came up big as Stevens scored six straight points en route to a 30-20 win.  The Ducks overcame an early 10-8 hole in the fourth game with a 9-2 run to take a 17-12 advantage.  Senior outside hitter/libero Rachel Ostroff (North Miami, Fla.) had two service aces in the spurt for Stevens, which closed out the match with a 30-21 victory in the fourth game.

Junior outside hitter Dawn Herring (Prince Frederick, Md.) paced all players with 16 kills.  Sophomore middle blocker Jessica Gardner (Penfield, N.Y.) had 12 kills and six blocks.  Sophomore setter/right-side hitter Melissa Rhode (New Orleans, La.) added 11 kills and 14 digs.

Sophomore middle blocker Summer Hamilton (San Diego, Calif.) finished with nine kills, while Biltz contributed a team-high 46 assists.  Ostroff posted 40 digs and four service aces.  Volk chipped in with nine kills and 19 digs.

Stevens will compete at the New York University Tournament later this week.  On Friday, the Ducks will take on Eastern University at 6 p.m. and NYU at 8 p.m.  Stevens will face City College of New York on Saturday at 10 a.m. and then St. John Fisher College at 2 p.m.