Statesmen Edge Wake Tech in Home Opener, Finish 2‑2 at Monroe Invitational

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The No. 14 Richard Bland College Women's Volleyball team opened its 2025 home slate Thursday evening, claiming a hard-fought sweep over Wake Technical Community College in Statesman Hall. The Statesmen carried that momentum into the weekend at the Monroe University Invitational in New York, where they battled through four matches to finish with a 2-2 record against strong competition.

The Statesmen battled through a tight three-set match (26‑24, 25‑22, 25‑20) against the Eagles Thursday, ultimately coming away with a straight-set victory to kick off the home season. Taelin Connolley led the effort with 14 kills, 15 digs, two blocks, and two service aces, while Daniela Sardina added eight kills and Gabrielle Meador contributed seven. Kaylie Klemm distributed 22 assists and recorded 10 digs, and Kristen Mathes anchored the back row with 23 digs, helping secure the hard-fought win.

Richard Bland dominated Raritan Valley Community College on Saturday morning, posting a convincing 3‑0 victory (25‑6, 25‑10, 25‑16) at the Monroe University Invitational. Gabrielle Meador led the offense with 13 kills, followed by Connolley with eight and Marisa Furner adding seven. Defensive efforts were anchored by Kristen Mathes, who recorded 30 digs, while Kaylie Klemm distributed 13 assists and contributed a team-high six service points. Daniela Sardina added seven kills and six digs, helping the Statesmen begin the tournament on top.

The Statesmen battled through a competitive four-set match against host Monroe University on Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling 1-3 (25‑27, 25‑16, 15‑25, 19‑25). Taelin Connolley led the offense with 14 kills and 11 digs, while Daniela Sardina added six kills and 16 digs. Gabrielle Meador contributed eight kills, Marisa Furner recorded four blocks, and Kaylie Klemm distributed 21 assists. Despite the loss, the Statesmen displayed strong defensive effort and timely offensive production, setting the stage for continued growth as the tournament progressed.

Richard Bland earned a decisive 3‑0 victory over the College of Southern Maryland (25‑16, 25‑17, 25‑16) on day two of the Monroe University Invitational. Taelin Connolley paced the offense with 10 kills and 13 digs, while Gabrielle Meador added six kills and Marisa Furner contributed five kills. Kaylie Klemm dished out 13 assists, Kristen Mathes recorded 21 digs, and Rachelle Martin chipped in nine digs. The Statesmen's balanced attack and strong defensive effort powered them to a convincing win.

The Statesmen concluded their Monroe University Invitational play with a hard-fought 0-3 loss to Montgomery College (22‑25, 24‑26, 22‑25) on Sunday morning. Taelin Connolley led the offense with 13 kills and 12 digs, while Gabrielle Meador added eight kills and 14 digs. Kristen Mathes contributed 30 digs, Rachelle Martin added 16 digs, and Kaylie Klemm handed out 10 assists. Despite strong individual performances and a competitive showing in each set, the Statesmen were unable to secure a win in their final match of the tournament.

With the home victory, and the 2-2 record in New York, Richard Bland improves to 7-2 overall.

The Statesmen return to action on Thursday, September 11^th, on the road at Pitt Community College. The match is scheduled to begin at 6pm.

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