POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – The RIT volleyball team (9-5, 2-2 Liberty League) got back into the win column on Saturday afternoon, defeating Liberty League opponents Vassar (7-8, 2-2 Liberty League) in four games and Bard in three games at Vassar (2-14, 0-4 Liberty League) on Saturday.
 
In the opener against Vassar, RIT won the first set, 25-23, before the hosts won set two, 25-18. RIT took control late, winning the third set, 25-19, and closed out the match with a 25-18 win in the fourth set.
 
For RIT, Sarah Szybist (Chicago, IL/Ramstein) recorded a career-best 22 digs, while slamming 15 kills. Abby Higgins (Peru, NY/Peru) chipped in offensively with eight kills and four service aces, while Amy Van Hienen (Castor, Alberta/Gus Wetter) added six kills. Laiz Novaes (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/Centro Educational) dished out 32 assists, to go along with six digs, and four kills, while Taylor Harkness (Batavia, NY/Batavia) added six kills and three blocks. Kayla Wheeler (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) had four blocks, while Rebecca Bennett (Springfield, PA/Springfield) recorded nine digs.
 
Taylor Mosley led Vassar with 12 kills and 10 digs, while Clara Cardillo added 11 kills. Sophia Tiajoloff dished out 33 assists, while Chole Hallum had 22 digs.
 
"I was really proud of our fight this match," said RIT head coach Jim Lodes. "Vassar is a good team the presented a versatile attack and we withstood their pressure. Our serving and defense rose to the occasion and we maintained confidence during their good stretches."
 
RIT got off to a slow start against Bard, but was able to win the match by scores of 25-18, 25-22, 25-15.
 
Szybist led the Tigers with 21 kills, hitting .333 with seven digs, and three service aces. Novaes dished out 14 assists, while Arielle Pariente (Twinsburg, OH/Twinsburg) added 11. Bethany Davis (Blasdell, NY/Frontier) tied for the team lead with seven digs, while Abby Higgins (Peru, NY/Peru) added four kills and a pair of blocks. Sara Martin (Rochester, NY/West Irondequoit) recorded two service aces.
 
For Bard, Trytavia Riley had six kills, while Lexi Cooper dished out 15 assists.

"We did a great job after an emotional win versus Vassar to get refocused and compete against Bard," said Lodes. "Bard worked hard and we met their challenge. After a crazy Friday, having our bus breaking down and losing our two matches, we really had a much improved effort today."
 
Yesterday, RIT opened league play with losses to nationally-ranked Clarkson and St. Lawrence.
 
The Tigers are back in action next weekend at the Canton Classic. On Friday, RIT plays Hartwick at St. Lawrence, starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Tigers play at SUNY Canton at 11 a.m. and Houghton at 3 p.m.