ALBANY – The College of Saint Rose women's volleyball team overcame an eight-point deficit in the third set and a four-point shortfall in the fourth set, but visiting Franklin Pierce University proved its mettle by taking a 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 22-25) Northeast-10 Conference triumph over the Golden Knights on “Senior Day” at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium. The Ravens (10-9/4-8 NE-10) snapped a three-match losing streak with the victory, while Saint Rose closed out the home portion of its 2010 league slate.

Prior to today's match, senior Kelly Ryan was honored as the lone senior on the Saint Rose roster who was competing in the final home match of her career this afternoon.

After knotting things 1-1 with a 25-17 victory in set two, the Golden Knights (6-19/3-10 NE-10) found themselves down 20-12 in the third set. However, Ryan ignited a 10-3 run with one of her nine kills and freshman middle hitter Alex Gagliano capped things with a kill of her own to make it a 23-22 affair. Unfortunately, Franklin Pierce recovered with a kill and an ace to walk away with a 25-22 win.

Saint Rose dug itself a 20-16 deficit in the fourth set, but clawed back to even things at 21-21. The Ravens then ripped off four of the next five points to chalk up an identical 25-22 victory to close out the contest.

Sophomore defensive specialist Laura Falkowitz and junior outside hitter Sarah Kahrs led the defensive unit for the Golden Knights with 18 and 13 digs respectively. Kahrs also added 13 kills and three blocks. Meanwhile, junior middle hitter Chelsea Tyler dished out 30 assists after taking over the setting duties last night.

Senior libero Chelsie Kohout was solid in the back row for the Ravens with 25 digs. Meanwhile, freshman middle blocker Katie Jackson and freshman outside hitter Lauren Miller added 12 and 11 kills.

Looking ahead, Saint Rose will head east next Friday to take on Bentley University in a 7:30 pm league match in Waltham, MA. Franklin Pierce is back in action tomorrow when the Ravens visit Le Moyne College for an NE-10 affair at noon.

Box Score