Philadelphia, PA – (9/20/2011) – Chestnut Hill College sent shock waves through the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) this evening with a 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 14-25, 25-23, 15-10) triumph over Wilmington University. The Griffins matched the Wildcats through the first four sets, before putting them away with seven straight points in the deciding set.

 

Wilmington University (6-4, 3-1) seemed in control early, taking the first set 25-20 behind a strong frontline of junior outside hitter Nicole Wiechecki (Wilmington, DE), and sophomores, middle hitter Brittany Biddle (Claymont, DE) and outside hitter Brooke Foskey (Elkton, MD). Chestnut Hill College (6-7, 1-2) responded with a 25-22 win in the second set, thanks to seven kills from sophomore outside hitter Alex DePalma (Shillington, PA) and three kills apiece from freshman right side Katie Schock (Allentown, PA) and junior middle hitter Cassie Benson (Rosamond, CA). The Wildcats grabbed the advantage again with a 25-14 win in the third set, but six more kills from DePalma, and some dynamic play from freshman setter Sidney Chukuntarod (San Francisco, CA) evened the match with a 25-23 Griffin win in the fourth set. Riding the momentum, the Griffins were able to stake an early 4-1 advantage in the deciding set, but the Wildcats clawed their way back to a 10-8 advantage on the service of sophomore outside hitter Ann Marie Scarfo (Newark, DE). With their backs against the wall, the Griffins looked to the service of junior libero Liz DiGregorio (Conshohocken, PA), who united them for a 7-0 run and the 15-10 deciding-set victory.

 

Wiechecki was the Wildcats top performer with 15 kills, three aces, 16 digs, and three blocks. Biddle helped with 11 kills, six digs, and five blocks, while Foskey totaled 13 kills and ten digs. Freshman setter Kasey Couch (Woodbine, MD) and senior setter Shannon Rumple (Fallston, MD) combined for 41 assists.

 

DePalma led the Griffins with a career-high, 19 kills. She also hustled to 18 digs, scored an ace, and assisted on a block. Benson offered 12 kills on a .296 (12K-4E-27TA) hitting percentage in addition to her five blocks, while Schock pitched in with ten kills. Chukuntarod gave a versatile performance with 42 assists, a career-high, and 12 digs. DiGregorio captained the Griffins defensive effort with 29 digs.

 

The women's volleyball continues CACC play with a 7:00 p.m. match at Georgian Court University on Thursday, September 22.