NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Junior Maryellen Devic and sophomore Caroline Bablin knocked down double-digit kills Friday evening as The College of Saint Rose volleyball team fought back to defeat Southern Connecticut State 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 15-9) in Pelz Gymnasium.

The Golden Knights claimed their first Northeast-10 Conference win of the season, and improved to 4-6 overall, and 1-1 in the NE-10, while the Owls dropped to 2-11, 0-3.

After splitting the first two sets, Southern Connecticut took a 2-1 lead in game three. The Golden Knights got out to a 10-6 advantage, but Southern battled back with a 4-2 run to take the reigns at 12-11. The score tied six times to follow, the final at the 22-all mark. Saint Rose could only muster one more point before dropping the set 25-23.

In game four, the Golden Knights jumped out to a 10-4 lead, and forced an Owl timeout. Southern nabbed three points coming out of the break, but Saint Rose laid down a 3-0 and a 4-0 run to put the Owls at an 18-11 arm's length. Both teams secured seven points throughout the remainder of the set, with Saint Rose claiming the game and forcing the deciding set.

The Golden Knights maintained their momentum in the fifth as they moved into a 4-1 lead. The game later tied at 7-7, but Saint Rose got things going again as it took an 11-8 advantage and forced another break for the Owls. The Golden Knights closed out the game on a 4-1 spurt.  

Junior libero Samantha Atchinson registered 17 digs, followed by Devic with 12 and setter Erica Ziskin with 11. Ziskin also dished out 22 assists for her first double-double of the season. Freshman Sam Kubik led from the middle with 25 assists, and also added nine digs. Senior Carissa Dube and freshman Shayna Webber put up a team-high three blocks apiece.

Saint Rose returns to the floor and its home court on Saturday, October 3 as it hosts league rival Adelphi at 1:00 pm in Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium.