Box Score LOWELL, Mass. – October 10, 2013 - The Robert Morris University volleyball team took a break from conference play as the Colonials kicked off their five-game road trip with a Thursday evening contest against Massachusetts-Lowell.  Behind a solid team effort, the Colonials would sweep the River Hawks; 25-16, 25-14, 25-12.

Four Robert Morris (3-16) student-athletes would record at least five kills in the victory while each of the ten Colonials that had an attacking attempt also recorded a kill against Massachusetts-Lowell (0-15).  The offense would be led by Becky Jay (Parma, Ohio / Padua Franciscan) who recorded a match-high seven kills while Kristin Thompson (Monroe, Ohio / Bishop Fenwick) recorded a match-best 8.5 points.

In a match that was dominated by the Colonials in each of the three sets, the two squads would exchange the lead twice within the first five points of the opening frame.  After reclaiming the lead with an early ace by Melissa Bograd (Lemont, Ill. / Lemont) that made the score 3-2, RMU would not relinquish the advantage for the remainder of the set.  The Colonials broke open the set with a five-point run that increased their advantage to eight points as they were doubling-up the River Hawks, 16-8.  The run was aided by two service aces from Sydney Sizemore (Taylor Mill, Ky. / Holy Cross) who accounted for all three points that did not come from opponent errors.  A four-point run in the final stages of the set allowed Robert Morris to hold its biggest lead in the set as there was a 12-point advantage when the score was 23-11.  Looking to close out the set just two points later, Robert Morris would allow the River Hawks to string together four points before a kill by Jay finished off the set, 25-16.

The second set of the match would mark the collegiate debut of Madelyn Betts (Canton, Mich. / Plymouth) as Robert Morris would lead this set from start to finish.  The set opened with the Colonials taking the first five points before the River Hawks would get on the board.  Despite not being able to string together a long run of points like what was accomplished in the first set, RMU slowly pulled ahead of the River Hawks as the set progressed.  The knockout punch came with a four-point run that created a ten-point lead, 17-7.  Betts would record the first kill of her collegiate career late in the set that pushed the score to 22-13.  The Colonials would close out the set by earning the final three points to claim the set, 25-14.

As the Colonials looked for their second sweep of the season, the final set would include Alena Esposito (Coraopolis, Pa. / Montour) making her season debut.  Despite taking the first three points of the set, Robert Morris would allow the River Hawks to hold the lead after they would go on a four-point run to make the score 5-4.  Needing just four rallies to regain control of the lead, RMU allowed the River Hawks to stay alive in the set as the two teams would battle back-and-forth.  Tied 9-9, the Robert Morris would put an end to the River Hawks' threat as they embarked on a nine-point run.  The run included Esposito's first career kill, one of two kills she would record in the set.  Esposito would alto team up with Thompson for Esposito' first career block as well.  A four-point run increased the advantage for the Colonials to 12 points to make the score 22-10 before they took the final three points in the set that finished with a score of 25-12.

Assisting Jay in the offensive attack were Arden Fisher (Oakmont, Pa. / Riverview), Erica Robb (Novi, Mich. / Novi), and Thompson; all of whom recorded five kills.  Robb also provided a team-high 12 digs while Bograd contributed 11 digs on the defensive side of the court.  Along the net, Thompson had a hand in each of the six blocks recorded by the Colonials as she tallied one solo block and five block assists.

Robert Morris will resume Northeast Conference play on Saturday as the Colonials will continue their five-game road trip with a contest at Central Connecticut.  Currently, Central Connecticut sits in a tie for third place with the Colonials and two other institutions.  First serve against the Blue Devils in a pivotal conference showdown is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.