Sparkill, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Volleyball team opened its inaugural NCAA Division II season on Saturday afternoon, taking on Pace University in a spirited affair at Aquinas Hall Gym.

Prior to the contest between Spartans and Setters, STAC recognized its past by honoring the student-athletes and teams that comprised the college's National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) women's volleyball program, which earned regional and national recognition through both regular season and postseason play and individual student-athlete performances.

In addition, members of the St. Thomas Aquinas College administrative team, led by President Ken Daly and Director of Athletics Nicole Ryan, joined the 2023 squad on court to commemorate both the start of a new season and usher in a new era of STAC Women's Volleyball. 

Once the match got underway, Pace University took a straight sets victory from the Spartans, winning 25-15, 25-13 and 25-15. However, the scores were not indicative of STAC's overall performance on the court in the team's first-ever match. The hard work, energy and enthusiasm shown by Head Coach Rob Pichardo, his staff and his team helped contribute to a positive game day environment and to pump up an already raucous Aquinas Hall crowd in attendance.

Inside the Box Score:

• Junior Jaizahir Marrero-George led the Spartans with 11 attack kills and 40 total attacks on the afternoon.
• Junior Lea Venghaus recorded 11 assists, while junior Aurivette Santos Bonilla posted 11 digs for the maroon and gold.
• Marrero-George also registered two solo blocks and assisted on two other stuffs at the net.

Up Next:

STAC (0-1) heads to South Jersey for a tri-match with Georgian Court University and Bowie State on Friday, September 8. The Spartans and Lions will get things underway at Noon in Lakewood, N.J.