NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The College of New Rochelle Womens Volleyball team went down to the wire – three times – this weekend as they played at the Union Tournament and Sage Invitational. On Friday, CNR opened up play against Skidmore, falling 3-2, then dropped a 3-0 decision to the hosts Union. The next day, CNR went the distance and then some against host Sage and a rematch against Skidmore, dropping both 3-2.
Skidmore and CNR may have begun a rivalry as the two teams were about as balanced as two teams could be. On day one, the Thoroughbreds outlasted the Blue Angels. CNR ran out to a 2-0 lead 25-19, 25-22, before Skidmore rallied to win 25-23 and 25-13. That set up a nailbiting final frame that Skidmore won 15-13. The next day the two teams played a marathon match as CNR struck first 25-23. Skidmore would win the next two 26-24 and 25-22, before CNR forced it to five with a 25-23 win.
The two teams traded points the whole way, as neither ever gained more than a two point lead in the deciding set. Sophomore Tamara Beckford (Bronx, NY) kill gave CNR a 14-13 lead and chance to win, but Skidmore earned the next point on a kill, then served out the match with a kill and ace to set the final.
On day two, freshmen Cristal Liciaga (San Juan, PR) had 27 kills and freshmen Imani Debose (Carson, CA) added 20. Senior Melanie Ann Lopez Soto (Gurabo, PR) finished with 60 assists on the day, while freshmen Brianna Garcia (San Juan, PR) led the way on the floor with 43 digs.
CNR will return home on Thursday when they host Maritime College in a non-conference match at the Wellness Center at 7pm.