PHILADELPHIA – The Thomas Jefferson University volleyball team (2-1, 1-0 CACC) opened its conference schedule in strong fashion, sweeping host Chestnut Hill (1-2, 0-1 CACC) 3-0 on Wednesday night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Griffins gained the early momentum, scoring four of the first five points of the match for a 4-1 advantage. Chestnut Hill maintained the upper hand for several minutes and built a six-point cushion at 14-8. The host team was still in front at 21-16 but the Rams rallied for five straight points and eight of 10 to go ahead 24-23. Jess Molen led the surge with three kills. The score was even at 25 before a Kristine Guenther kill and a Griffins error gave the set to Jefferson, 27-25.
 
The two sides went back and forth in the second frame until the score was tied at 13. The Rams then took over with a 10-2 run on the way to a 25-18 victory. Jefferson carried the momentum into the third set, opening a 5-1 lead. Chestnut Hill closed the gap to one (6-5) before the Rams pulled away with a 7-1 stretch and went on to clinch the match with a 25-16 triumph.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Jess Molen: 18 kills, .424 hitting percentage, 8 digs, 1 service ace
Morgan Ritchie: 14 kills, .480 hitting percentage, 8 digs, 3 service aces
Sam Mann: 5 kills, 3 blocks, 1 service ace
Mary Lauersen: 5 kills, .400 hitting percentage, 6 digs
Kristine Guenther: 34 assists, 3 digs, 2 service aces
Cameron Johnson: 8 digs, 3 assists
 
NOTES
- Jess Molen recorded her 500^th career point in the contest.
- Jefferson hit an impressive .359 for the match, including .400 in the second set and .464 in the third.
- It was the Rams' third straight win versus Chestnut Hill and the sixth consecutive season that they won their conference opener.
 
UP NEXT
Jefferson plays its first match at the Gallagher Center on Wednesday, September 7^th at 6 p.m. versus Wilmington (Del.).