Massasoit Knocks Off CCRI in Thrilling Five-Set Match

WARWICK, Rhode Island ---- After a 33-year hiatus from not competing, it did not take the Massasoit volleyball team long to get back to its winning ways. The Warriors defeated CCRI in a dramatic five-set match, 3-2 (18-25, 25-18, 10-25, 25-21, 15-13) to open the 2019 campaign.

After trading the first four sets, the Warriors (1-0) looked doomed in the fifth and final frame. Trailing 8-1, Massasoit responded by outscoring the Knights 14-5 the rest of the set to earn the victory. It marked Massasoit's first match played since the 1986 season.

"The exiting part of the match was watching the ladies come together as a team on the court, especially in the last set when were down 8-1," first year head coach Patricia Francis-Ryans said. "They pulled together and were never frustrated. They were hopeful and hungry for the win."

Setter Emmanuella Paul (Haiti) posted a double-double, dishing out a match-high 26 assists and tallying 12 digs, while libero Rebecca Simpson of Milton recorded a match-best 28 digs.

Offensively, Delaney Nagel (Stoughton) led Massasoit with 12 kills, and posted a .381 attacking percentage (12K-4E-21TA). Lexi Frithsen (Bridgewater) also reached double-figures in kills with 10.

Colleen Luongo of Plymouth chipped in with eight kills, nine digs and four aces and Caroline Curtis of Holbrook tallied eight kills and 11 digs in the victory.

The Warriors return to the court with a two-day tournament slated for Saturday back at CCRI.