Women's Volleyball | 9/20/2011 9:16:00 PM

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ROCHESTER, NY - Spurred on by a loud, orange and black clad crowd, the RIT volleyball team (5-8) defeated the University of Rochester (9-4) in three hard fought games at Clark Gym on Tuesday evening.  RIT won the first game, 25-22, then won a stirring second game, 29-27, and finished off the Yellowjackets, 25-19 in the final game.

The Tigers rallied in all three games, none more important than game two.  Down 27-26, the Tigers rallied with three consecutive points to win the game and swing the momentum firmly in their favor.  With the game tied at 27-27, junior Katie Cooper (New Canaan, CT/New Canaan) drilled one of her 11 kills, then Elise Walsh tallied to send the loud crowd of over 500 into a frenzy.

Cooper and classmate Rebecca Moore (San Diego, CA/Rancho Bernardo) both slammed 11 kills apiece to lead the way offensively.  Cooper chipped in with nine digs, four assists, and two blocks.  Moore added a pair of aces and three blocks.

Walsh, making just her second collegiate start, was brilliant, dishing out 28 assists, while adding four kills.  Freshman Bethany Davis (Blasdell, NY/Frontier) added a game-high 14 digs, while junior Audrey DiPoala (Victor, NY/Victor) recorded nine digs.  Suzanne Jokajtys (Boonville, NY/Adirondack) shrugged off a slow start to slam four of her six kills in the final game.  Freshman Amanda White (Watertown, NY/Watertown) added four kills and three blocks.

For Rochester, Casey Larsen led the way with 11 kills and eight digs.  Ziaoya Li dished out 27 assists, while Katie Kao added seven kills and five blocks.  Sara Ribakove tallied nine digs, six kills, three blocks, and two service aces.

The Tigers return to action on Friday and Saturday, as they play their first ever Liberty League contests.  On Friday, the Tigers travel to Bard and play St. Lawrence at 5 p.m. and Vassar at 7:30 p.m.  On Saturday, the Tigers move to Vassar and play Clarkson at 11 a.m. and Bard at 1:30 p.m.