DUDLEY, MASS - The Nichols College women's volleyball team steals its home opener on Thursday night, beating out non-conference opponent Rivier University in a tight match 3-2 (25-19, 25-18, 25-23, 25-17,11-15)  at the Nichols Athletic Center.

With the win, the Bison improve to 2-1 overall on the season, while the Raiders drop to 1-3.

Seniors Maille Ianniruberto and Mairead Frost led the offensive charge, each contributing 10 kills. Ianniruberto added three blocks and two service aces, while Frost recorded four aces, a block, and 10 digs. Kya Burdier contributed eight kills and 12 assists, while senior setter Ruby St. Onge handed out 23 assists and four aces. Defensively, Elizabeth Mullen stood out, setting a career-high with 20 digs, surpassing her previous mark of 17.

The Bison came out firing in the first set, quickly taking a 7–4 lead thanks to kills from Frost and an assist from St. Onge. Nichols kept up the intensity, going on a six-point run sparked by a kill from Jhudny Pierre. Rivier tried to mount a comeback, but Nichols never let up, closing the set 25–19.

The second set was a battle from the start. Both teams exchanged points until Rivier exploded on a 9–2 run to take a 19–13 lead. Nichols fought back with a three-point rally sparked by a kill from Melina Bezati, but Rivier held on to claim the set 25–18.

In the third set, Rivier scored first on a service ace, but the Bison refused to back down. Nichols countered with kills from Frost and Ianniruberto, keeping the match tight. Rivier built a 15–10 lead, but Nichols rallied to close the gap to 19–17 behind relentless offense from Maille and Mairead. Nichols eventually stole the lead, and Frost delivered the final kill to take the set 25–23.

The fourth set saw the Raiders come out swinging, opening on a nine-point run that put the Bison on the defensive. Rivier maintained their momentum throughout, taking the set 25–17 and forcing a decisive fifth set.

The final set was electric. Nichols jumped out early with a 5–2 lead thanks to outstanding play from Burdier and Frost. Two service aces from Ianniruberto extended the lead as the Bison switched sides. Rivier made one last push, cutting the lead to two points, but Nichols responded with two quick points, capped by a kill from Caminea Layman to seal the set 15–11 and the thrilling 3–2 victory.

The Bison will be back in action Friday, September 5, traveling to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., to take on Skidmore College (1–2, 0–0 LL) in the opening match of the Skidmore Classic at 5:00 p.m.