THROGGS NECK, NY - Backed by a raucous crowd, the Maritime College women's volleyball team opened up the 2019 season with a thrilling four-set victory over the City College of New York. The Privateers dropped the second set, but ended up coming out with a 25-15, 15-25, 26-24, 25-19 victory. 

"It's definitely a great way to start the season," said head coach Michele Murray. "I was really impressed with the team's ability to regroup after dropping the second set and come out with a win to open up the year."

The Beavers came out strong to start the opening set, but the crowd helped Maritime take control of the set by going on a 11-1 run to take a commanding 17-7 lead. Rylee Malone (Southington, Conn./University High School of Science & Engineering) served six straight points for the Privateers during that run and helped the team run away with the opening set 25-15.

Unfortunately, it was CCNY's turn to take a big mid-set run in the second game. Backed by an eight-point run, the Beavers completely swung the momentum in their favor in the second set and sucked the energy out of the gym heading to the third set.

"The fans really helped us get back into the match after losing the second set," said Erika Kirchner (Meadowmere Park, N.Y./Lawrence). "We lost some energy from the first set, but they really got us back into the match, which led to a big third set win."

Maritime found themselves trailing 16-12 in the crucial third set, but a big 4-1 run powered by kills from Katie Solinsky (East Lyme, CT/East Lyme) and Abby Steele (Crossville, Tenn./Stone Memorial) brought the score back to within one point. Still scrambling to complete the comeback at 18-22, Celyna Custodio (Danbury, Conn./Danbury) put down three kills in seven points to help the Privateers take a 24-23 advantage. The Beavers were able to hold off the first match point, but a kill from Solinksy and an attacking error from CCNY sealed the 26-24 win for Maritime.

Looking to put the match away with a two sets to one advantage, the Privateers jumped out to a quick lead in the fourth set. Abigail Solomos picked up two big service aces in the set to put Maritime up seven points at 16-9. Maritime continued to hold the lead and Meghan Eagleton (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Roy C. Ketcham) put the match away with an ace at 24-19. 

Steele led the Privateers on offense with 12 kills, while Kirchner tallied a match-high 30 assists. Custodio and Solinsky were key offensive weapons for Maritime as well as they combined for 14 kills and a near .200 hitting percentage. Defensively, Rylee Malone (Southington, Conn./University High School of Science & Engineering) led the back line with eight digs. 

Maritime will look to keep their momentum going tomorrow as they take on John Jay at 6 pm on the road. Watch the highlights and post-game press conference below!