Pace Volleyball Ranked No. 5 In First NCAA Regional Rankings

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – The Pace University volleyball team has been ranked No. 5 in the first installment of the NCAA Regional Rankings. The Setters, off to an 18-6 start this season with a 7-3 record in conference play, currently sit fourth in the NE10 standings. The Setters went 1-1 last week, dropping a five-set decision at Holy Family before picking up a 3-0 win at the Goldstein Fitness Center over Saint Michael's on Friday. Pace was dominant in their week-ending win, hitting .403 while winning each game by 13 or more points. Prior to Tuesday's contest against New Haven, Pace was 12-3 across their last 15 matches, with all three losses being matches decided in a tie-breaking fifth set. The Setters' success this season has been a team effort, with the entire roster contributing with big plays at vital moments. Claudia Fontanet (Bayamon, Puerto Rico/Academia Maria Reina) and Tatjana Calimpong-Burke (Waianae, HI/Iolani) have led the Blue and Gold attack this year, combing for 502 kills. Samantha Nidini (Houston, TX/Clearlake) has collected a team-leading 472 assists, while Katy Motz (Cedar Park, TX/Cedar Park) has added 301 helpers. On defense, Danielle Vaiano (Seaford, NY/St. Anthony's) has led the effort with 362 digs, while her 4.02 digs per set ranks fifth in the NE10. Pace returns to action on Friday night when they take on Saint Anselm at 6 p.m.