Riverdale, N.Y. (October 27, 2006)-Manhattan Volleyball (10-14, 7-6 MAAC) continued its winning ways at home of late by sweeping Niagara University (4-17, 2-12 MAAC) in three games (30-25, 30-17, 30-26) behind an effective attack. The Lady Jaspers have now won five of their last six conference home matches.
Despite needing only three games to defeat Niagara, the Lady Jaspers nearly had four players with double-digit kills. Sophomore Sherryta Stokes and senior co-captain Meghan Plunkett led the way with 13 kills apiece, while freshman Kandice Watson recorded 12. Senior co-captain Whitney Judkins finished with nine kills and a team-best .450 hitting percentage.
Seven of Stokes' 13 kills came during game one as the sophomore helped separate the Lady Jasper and Purple Eagles in a tight game. After committing an error and allowing Niagara to pull within one point at 21-20, Stokes connected on two straight swings as the Lady Jaspers seized control of the frame.
It was Plunkett's turn to lead the Manhattan attack in game two. The senior co-captain notched a team-best five kills in a game that saw the Lady Jaspers lead from almost start to finish. The match marks Plunkett's second straight productive performance as the veteran appears to be returning to her old form after shaking off the lingering effects of a knee injury sustained last spring. In last Sunday's sweep of Iona College, Plunkett hit .360 with 12 kills.
Junior Ashley Watson has been stifling opposing attacks of late, and tonight was no different. Watson, who is the MAAC Defensive Player of the Week after averaging 7.22 digs per game last week, finished with 27 digs on Friday evening for a whopping 9.00 digs per game average. Sophomore setter Alyssa Getzel was second on the team with nine digs, while continuing her steady play on offense by finishing with match-high 45 assists.
Niagara's Raelean Rush recorded a double-double for the Purple Eagles with 11 kills and 13 digs.
Manhattan returns to the floor at Draddy Gym on Saturday afternoon to take on Canisius College at 2:00 p.m.