FROSTBURG, Md. -- Piecing together a tremendous effort on the back row,
Josie Lucernoni helped lead the 24th-ranked Christopher Newport volleyball team past Frostburg State, 3-1 (23-25, 25-11, 25-14, 25-10), during a Capital Athletic Conference tilt on Friday evening at the Bobcat Arena.
During the match, Lucernoni established a new career-high with 31 digs. That marked the program's 18th all-time 30-dig match and equaled the most by a Captain since former All-American Abby Hogge pocketed 32 against Randolph-Macon on November 10, 2012.
Lucernoni's 31 digs also marked the fourth-most in a four-set match in program history. Hogge was the last to pocket at least 30 digs in less than five sets after notching 32 in a 3-1 victory over Southwestern on October 13, 2012.
Guided by Lucernoni's efforts, the Captains registered their third straight victory and improved to 8-3 this season, including 2-0 in league action. The setback dropped Frostburg State to 5-14 with an 0-2 ledger against conference foes.
Along with Lucernoni's work on the back row,
Riley Garrison was electric along the net. The junior blistered 17 kills on just 31 attempts while hitting at a .516 clip.
Megan O'Hara was also impressive with 13 kills and a .455 hitting percentage. Both standouts registered four blocks on the defensive side as well.
Rounding out an efficient front row,
Mackenzie Wright clubbed eight kills on 11 swings while also playing a role in four blocks.
Helping pace the attack,
Lauren Tracy handed out 43 assists. Overall, the Captains registered a .263 hitting percentage during the match, including a .340 mark over the final three sets.
In addition to Lucernoni's historic performance on the back row,
Allie Plumlee matched her career-high with 17 digs, while
Katie Piper contributed 14. Meanwhile, on serve-receive, Lucernoni converted all 14 of her attempts, while Plumlee was a perfect 10-for-10.
Abby Oren was flawless on eight attempts as well.
Tiaralyn McBride also continued to star at the line with three aces. The sophomore now has six winners in her last three outings. Plumlee also pumped a pair of aces, while Lucernoni and Tracy landed one apiece.
Christopher Newport will return to action on Saturday when the squad kicks off a twin bill with an 11 a.m. battle against Neumann. The Captains will also have a 1 p.m. showdown with Lebanon Valley at the Bobcat Arena.
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