Patchogue, N.Y. — William Patterson (10-3) was one point away from taking the third set of the game, and with it, the match.  They had already won the first two sets and it was match-point: their serve.  The Golden Eagles (6-3) were not done playing though and defended the attack for a comeback 3-2 victory.

Off of an expert assist from Julianne Tierney (Bethpage N.Y. / Bethpage), Kristine Minogue (Miller Place N.Y./ Miller Place) slammed down a kill to tie the score of the third set at 24.  Tierney set up Minogue for another point and with one final swing from Melissa Garibaldi (Seaford N.Y. / Island Trees) St. Joseph's won the set and was back in the game.

SJC's dramatic victory in the third set gave the Lady Eagles the spark they needed and effectively interrupted William Patterson's rhythm.  The score fluctuated for most of the fourth set until the final minutes when St. Joseph's capitalized on their slim lead and took the match 25-21. 

In the fifth and final set William Patterson came out with something to prove, scoring four unanswered points.  The Eagles were unfazed however and responded with four consecutive kills, eventually tying the set at 10.  SJC won the set 15-13.

Tierney had 53 assists and 12 digs while Ashley Larrea (Islip N.Y. / Patchogue-Medford) finished with 32 digs.  Garibaldi had a game-high 16 kills and freshman Heather Ferchland (Selden N.Y. / Centereach) came away with 13.  

The Lady Eagles will travel to Kings Point to face the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game.  On Saturday, SJC will face Manhattenville and New Jersey City in a tri-match at home.  The first game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.

(Game story by Caitlynn Webber)