BALTIMORE– The Notre Dame of Maryland women's volleyball won another five-set match, this time defeating Keystone College in their United East matchup on Saturday, Oct. 14. The Gators secured the victory thanks to set scores of 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, 18-25 and 15-12.  

The Gators (10-8 Overall, 3-1 United East) got an outstanding effort from Ciarra Bockstie who recorded 15 kills on 26 swings, hitting .500 for the match. Miasia Ferrer added nine kills while Gabbi Taganas, Jade Stewart and Rosemary O'Brien each added six kills. Defensively, Candace Forgch-Aguilar and Stewart led the way with 12 digs each while Paulina Hernandez added 10 digs.  

NDMU overcame a slow start in the opening set, overcoming an early four-point deficit to win the set. Natalie Newton sealed the set firing a service ace to put the Gators up 1-0. The Giants (8-9 Overall, 2-2 United East) responded, capturing the second set after building a nine-point lead midway through the set.  

The Gators answered right back in the third set, using an 8-0 run to race out to a 13-5 advantage. NDMU held off a late rally by the Giants, with Bockstie slamming down a kill on three of the final four points to secure a 2-1 lead in the match. Keystone would not go away without a fight, winning the fourth set to send the match to a deciding fifth set.  

In the final set, NDMU took a 6-4 lead when Emma Mueller perfectly placed a service ace. The Giants made one last push, managing to take an 8-6 lead as the teams switched sides. The Gators went on a 5-0 run capped off by a kill from O'Brien giving NDMU an 11-8 advantage. The Gators won three of the final four points with a Mueller block securing the victory.  

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators continue United East play when they travel to face the University of Valley Forge on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The first serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM.  
 
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