FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Johnson & Wales University women's volleyball team showed why it is the top seed in the NCAA Tournament regional on Friday evening, as the No. 2 nationally-ranked Wildcats set the tone early en route to defeating Eastern Connecticut State, 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 15), in the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament.
With the regional quarterfinal victory, Johnson & Wales moves on to face SUNY New Paltz in the regional semifinals at 5:00 PM on Saturday from the Wildcat Center.
Records:
Eastern Connecticut State: 23-7
#2 Johnson & Wales: 32-1
Statistical Leaders:
Maria Coniglio (JWU): 11 kills, .667 hitting %
Kate Walker (JWU) 10 kills, 3 blocks
Elyssa Nicolas (JWU): 19 digs
Of Note:
The Wildcats won their 59th-straight home match, tying Central and Eastern for the third-longest streak in NCAA Division III history. They also extended the longest active winning streak in the nation to 32 matches.
Johnson & Wales got out to a fast start, winning the first seven points on their way to building an 11-3 lead. ECSU got within 16-12 in the second set, but the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run to take the frame.
The top attacking team in the country, the Wildcat hit .571 in the first set as part of their overall rate of .385. JWU's defense had 58-40 advantage in digs that limited the Warriors to a .085 hitting percentage.
Sophomore libero Elyssa Nicolas produced 19 digs while classmate Mikayla Arimura added 12.
Maria Coniglio led all players with 11 kills while hitting .667. Middle blocker Kate Walker was one back and produced a trio of blocks. JWU had 6-2 advantage in blocks.
ECSU Setter Mckenzie Managgia had a 14-assist, 10-dig double-double. Abby Stern led the Warriors at eight kills.