Brooklyn, N.Y. – In an incredible comeback after dropping set one to three-time defending Northeast Conference Tournament champion LIU Brooklyn, the Robert Morris University volleyball team won the next three sets to claim the 2015 NEC Tournament Championship title. This is head coach Dale Starr's first tournament title in six appearances.
 
With the win, Robert Morris receives an automatic bid to the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
 
Junior April Krivoniak was named the 2015 NEC Tournament Most Valuable Player. She led the Colonials to victory in the title match with a team-leading 16 kills at a .368 clip and tallied nine digs and two block assists. On the weekend, Krivoniak compiled 30 kills (.394), 23 digs, three aces and three blocks. She committed just two total attack errors in two matches.
 
Sophomore Brianna Frakes and senior Kristin Thompson join Krivoniak on the All-Tournament Team. Thompson turned in 15 kills against LIU Brooklyn and 31 total in the tournament. Frakes dished out a total of 99 assists on the weekend, including a new career best 55 in the match against the Blackbirds.
 
Frakes, junior Arden Fisher and freshman Taylor Lord all recorded double-doubles in the victory. Fisher posted 21 kills and 51 digs through two matches this weekend, while Lord combined for 22 kills and 24 digs in two appearances.
 

Robert Morris (19-12) has now won its last seven consecutive matches. With the win today, the Colonials halted a LIU Brooklyn (14-13) 12-match winning streak.
 
When RMU gets rolling, the squad is tough to stop. The Colonials proved that in both matches on the weekend with a 15-0 run against Bryant in the semifinals and an 8-0 run in a pivotal set three against LIU Brooklyn. The Robert Morris run started with a kill from junior Leah Dunivan to put the Colonials up, 14-11. Dunivan capped the run with some help from Lord on a tandem blocking effort that gave the Colonials a 21-11 advantage, their largest of the match.
 
Robert Morris trailed 13-19 late in the fourth set, as LIU Brooklyn tried to turn the tide on the Colonials and force set five, but the resilient Colonials squad came up with another run, a 7-0 tear that put RMU ahead, 22-20. The Blackbirds tied it up at 23, but Robert Morris captured the next two points on a kill from Lord and an LIU Brooklyn error.
 
On two separate occasions in set two, LIU Brooklyn committed untimely errors, which opened up opportunities for the Colonials to capitalize. RMU cashed in on the second set of LIU miscues. A Blackbirds service error tied the set at 29, and a subsequent ball handling error called on Nicole Hopton put the Colonials ahead, 30-29. Robert Morris closed out the set with a big block from Lord and Thompson and the teams entered intermission all tied up at one set apiece.
 
The Colonials now await their NCAA Tournament fate. The selection show takes place on Sunday, Nov. 29.
 
Quoting Head Coach Dale Starr
On the emotions after tonight's win….
I'm kind of at a loss for words. It's an unbelievable feeling. I'm so happy for these girls and the hard work they put in. They battled so hard, not just tonight, but all season. The poise and will to win that they showed tonight was really incredible to be a part of and to witness.
 
On the performance of MVP April Krivoniak…
April had a tremendous weekend. She was a rock for us offensively and defensively. We didn't utilize her as much earlier in the year and teams really game planned to stop our middle. With her stepping up like she did, it was really the key to us winning. She was unbelievable. I'm so happy for her. She's so humble and is the first to give credit to her teammates, but she really was the difference maker this weekend.
 
On looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament…
We're going to enjoy this win for now and worry about who we will play next week. We're going to go to compete. We're not just happy to be there. This group wants to compete and be able to go to the First Round and represent Robert Morris and the NEC with a great effort and a great showing. I anticipate us going and having a great match and putting our best foot forward.
 
 
Eight is Great
The 2015 NEC Tournament title marks the eighth in Robert Morris volleyball history ('92, '93, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, '15).
 
#Winning
The 19 Colonials wins earned in 2015 are the most tallied in a season under head coach Dale Starr.
 
The Ultimate Rubber Match
The Colonials entered the match riding a six-game winning streak, having suffered their most recent loss to the Blackbirds. Coincidentally, LIU Brooklyn entered the title match having won their last 12. Their most recent setback was dealt to them by RMU.
 
Taking Care of Business in Brooklyn
RMU improved to 3-0 in matches played on LIU Brooklyn's home court this season and 7-0 in road contests in New York in 2015.
 
Stop That Block
Robert Morris limited the conference's leader in blocks to just five total team stuffs on the night.
 
On a Roll
Freshman Taylor Lord has posted double-digit kills in her last eight outings.
 
A November to Remember
Robert Morris went undefeated in matches played in November 2015.
 
 
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