SJU Volleyball Upsets Pittsburgh, 3-2

Pittsburgh, Penn. The St. Johns volleyball team defeated the University of Pittsburgh today, 3-2 (30-25, 23-30, 30-20, 21-30, 15-11), at the Fitzgerald Field House. Todays win marks St. Johns first ever win over Pittsburgh, who leads the all-time series 8-1. With the match tied at 10 in the fifth game, the Red Storm made its move. Senior Sterie Varghese (Elmont, N.Y.) notched three kills and sophomore Robyn Kuraski (Milliani, Hawaii) recorded a service ace, to put SJU ahead, 14-10. With Pittsburgh serving, the Red Storm played tough for match point. Varghese put the ball away for a kill and the game point. The Red Storm won game five 15-11 for the match victory.

Varghese played a tremendous match, recording nine kills and 13 digs. Mischara Saunders (Norwalk, Calif.) led the team with 11 kills and chipped in four blocks. The story of the game was freshman Jennifer Emelogu (Austin, Texas) who set a new school record by notching 10 service aces. Emelogu also set new career highs in kills with 7 and attempts with 29, while also adding eight digs and six blocks.

Pittsburgh collected 61 kills and 80 digs to the Red Storm's 47 and 66, respectively. However, SJU played a strong passing game and dished out 16 service aces to win the match.

SJUs 30-25 win in the first game, marked the first game the Red Storm has taken from the Panthers since 1999. In 1999, St. Johns defeated Pittsburgh 15-11 in the first game and then went on to drop the next three for a 3-1 loss.

St. John's now owns a 12-2 overall record, their best start since 1996, and are 3-1 in BIG EAST action.

The Red Storm return to action on Friday, October 5 when they battle Providence College at Alumni Hall.

St. John's University Athletics

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