Usually, Freshman collegiate athletes don’t get much playing time as they’re still adjusting to the college lifestyle.
Enter Riley Elliot, the 5’11 outside hitter from El Dorado Hills, California.
She turned the tide for the WP Women’s Volleyball program as they secured two victories on Saturday, Sept. 13, sweeping their tri-match in straight sets vs the Manhattanville University Valiants and the Dickinson College Red Devils.
Entering the famed Purchase, N.Y., is never an easy test for any team, but the Pioneers didn’t lack confidence. Facing off against Manhattanville, they found themselves down eight-one early in the first set; however, they rattled back eight straight points, taking the lead.
They took home the first set 25-22. In the second set, ahead 23-21, heroics by Junior classmates Laura Gruener and Kristian Glenn pushed the tempo late, giving them a two-zero advantage, winning the set.
The final set against Manhattanville was a nail-biter. A lower leg injury to Junior captain Cecilia Miller sidelined her for the rest of the set, allowing first-year Elliot to make her mark.
A kill to make it 19-15, and a game-winning ace to end the matchup 25-16, showcased how remarkable her determination and poise have been in her opening campaign.
Game two of the tri-match started against Dickinson College, and we saw a lot more out of Elliot. She helped her squad run out to an early 13-six lead, holding off the Red Devils down the stretch to win the first set 25-20.
The Red Devils started strong, entering the second set, but the Pioneers took over towards the midway point. They scored four unanswered on their way to a second 25-20 result. Elliot added two kills in the Pioneers’ final five points, including the set clinching kill.
The Elliot takeover was in full effect in set three. Elliot started the set with the opening kill. She then rattled off six straight points, four of those being aces.
She added her fifth ace of the set, finishing the day with seven, a career high, as the Pioneers’ won 25-18. She put together eight kills, a block, and four digs, collecting 15.5 points, another career-high.
This season, Elliot has 60 kills, 10 aces, 17 digs, and eight blocks. As a freshman, she has come into her own, with NJAC Coach of the Year Kevin Rodgers, he has a product who could be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The Pioneers are back in action Tuesday night, Sept. 16, as they travel to Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa.
