Stonehill Skyhawks Volleyball Games of the Week Recap
The Stonehill Skyhawks nearly pulled off a sweep during their Saturday doubleheader at Assumption University, coming just short in the second match. They opened the day with an impressive 3-0 win (31-29, 25-19, 25-16) before dropping a hard-fought five-set battle in the second match (25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 23-25, 13-15). Stonehill showed grit and potential, putting them in a strong position as they prepare to open NEC play next week at home.
Match 1 Recap: Stonehill 3, Assumption 0 (31-29, 25-19, 25-16)
The Skyhawks started the day with a dominant performance, sweeping Assumption in straight sets. The first set was particularly thrilling, with 15 ties and Stonehill coming out on top in a marathon 31-29 win, thanks to junior Mia Berardino’s three consecutive kills to close it out. Senior Emma Graves led the offensive charge with a season-high 12 kills and an outstanding .435 hitting percentage.
Freshman Paloma Gonzalez Jaramillo, junior Abby Farrell, and Berardino each contributed 10 points in the win. Farrell's clean play was a highlight—she recorded 10 kills with zero errors, boasting an exceptional .769 hitting percentage. Stonehill's defense was anchored by Berardino’s career-high 18 digs, while the duo of sophomore setters Amaya Parnell and Maddie Schamaun combined for 47 assists.
Match 2 Recap: Assumption 3, Stonehill 2 (25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 23-25, 13-15)
The second match was a rollercoaster that saw Stonehill dominate the first two sets but ultimately fall in five. Berardino was once again the standout, tallying 16 points and 15 digs. Graves and Gonzalez Jaramillo also contributed 13 kills apiece, while Farrell continued her efficient play, adding 10 kills and two aces with a team-high .529 hitting percentage.
After jumping out to a 2-0 set lead, Stonehill looked poised to sweep the day. However, Assumption fought back, winning the third set before eking out close wins in the final two frames. Despite the loss, there were bright spots, including Schamaun’s career-high 29 assists and sophomore Sarah Frager’s service ace that helped Stonehill control the second set.
Stonehill came so close to finishing off a perfect Saturday. Had they held on in the fifth set, they would have entered NEC play with exta momentum and a 5 wins to their credit. Nevertheless, their play this weekend, especially from leaders like Berardino, Graves, and Farrell, shows promise. The Skyhawks' ability to dig deep in critical moments, like in their marathon first set win of Match 1, will serve them well moving forward. They’ll need to add some more consistency with closing out games as the season progresses to make the conference tournament, but this group can certainly achieve that.
Looking Ahead: Mercyhurst
The Skyhawks return to Merkert Gymnasium next weekend to open Northeast Conference play against Mercyhurst University. This matchup is set to be a thriller, with standout players Mia Berardino and Mercyhurst’s Paige Miller facing off. These are two of the most exciting athletes in the NEC, and their battle will be worth tuning in for on NEC Front Row.
Stay tuned to NEC Blitz for all your volleyball coverage as the Skyhawks look to make a splash in conference play!
