MORRISTOWN, NJ --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College women's volleyball battled against the Saint Elizabeth University Eagles (3-8) on Thursday inside Saint Joseph's Hall, losing a non-conference showing in straight sets (25-8, 25-23, 25-10).

Taking a 12-1 lead courtesy of four aces by Onye Bosco, the Eagles never looked back. 

York improved their display in the second stanza. Holding an 8-5 advantage, which included a well-placed kill by Shamonie Miller as the Cardinals controlled the set throughout, taking a 19-16 lead. Ellma Hodzic especially impressed, with a ferocious kill to cut the Eagles' lead to 14-12 and a well-placed shot to make it 15-13 Saint Elizabeth, and produced powerful attacks throughout the set. With the score knotted at 23, Saint Elizabeth won the final two points to prevail. 

"During the second set, we saw a glimpse of what is possible. Strong work ethic, communication, and leadership from Ellma Hodzic and Shamonie Miller. [S]tepping into the libero position for the first time, Naomi Heras Picon proved that she has what it takes in that coveted position."-said head coach Christy Herring.

Overall, there were six lead changes and ten ties in the second set, with the largest lead held by both schools amounting to just three points. Despite the close loss, the Cardinals scored their second-highest point total for a set during the 2022 season. This stanza can give the team the confidence needed to generate momentum for upcoming matches. 

As early signs emerged of a competitive third period, with Saint Elizabeth only maintaining an 8-5 lead, the Eagles gradually took command, ultimately pulling out the set by 14 points.  

Miller, Hodzic, Nadaysia Nivar, and Cherub Autar were the most involved for the Cardinals. Miller added one assist and three digs to her kill as Hodzic finished with a team-high two aces and four points. Nivar led the Cardinals with three kills and tallied five digs of her own, while Autar had a match-high nine digs (career-high) and a team-best three assists. Nivar's three kills matched her career-high from last November's meeting with Yeshiva University.

Saint Elizabeth received steady output from Bosco, Herbina Exume, Michelle Posada, and Kristina Ashton. Bosco finished with game-highs in aces (5), kills (8), and points (13). Exume had two solo blocks and totaled five kills of her own. Posada added six points, which included three kills. Setting up the Eagles' attacks, Ashton tallied 20 assists. 

The Eagles finished with a large edge over the Cardinals in points (40-9), kills (22-7), aces (15-2), and assists (21-6). With many back and forth points, the Eagles only held a slight advantage in digs (29-27).

The Cardinals (0-9) return to home court Friday (Sept. 30) to take on the Purchase College Panthers (1-9) at 6 p.m. in a non-conference bout inside York College Gymnasium.

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