Box Score HACKENSACK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's volleyball fell to Rider University 3-0 in its home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Stratis Arena.  With the loss the Knights fall to 0-5 on the season, while the Broncs improve to 3-1.

The Knights fell in three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-11 and 25-19.

Freshman Courtney Kovensky (Highland, Calif./Citrus Valley) led the squad in her debut at Stratis Arena with eight kills.  Senior Violeta Slabakova (Shelby Township, Mich./Utica) added seven kills on the night.  Sophomore Allison Butler (Plano, Texas/Plano) recorded 24 assists to help the offense, while junior Deborah Hong (Rutherford, N.J./Rutherford) led the defense with 12 digs.  Sophomore Corey Lostetter (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) added eight digs, while Slabakova, Butler and Taylor Roland-Buohl (Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg) each had seven in the game.

The Knights and Broncs traded points to being the first set before the Broncs took hold of the game with a 10-point rally.  The Knights fought back to trail 17-12 but could not contain the Rider offense.  Rider took set one, 25-18.

Rider started the second set by scoring seven of the first eight points for a 7-1 lead.  The Knights rallied to challenge the Broncs but were unable to contain the Broncs.  A six-point rally set Rider up for a 25-11 win.

Set three saw an 8-1 start for the visiting team.  After trailing 22-12, the Knights rallied to come within five points late in the game.  The Broncs finished the game with a 25-19 win in set three.

The Knights are back in action this weekend at the Lafayette College Tournament.  FDU will face Lehigh, Saint Peter's, Lafayette and Wright State in the two-day event.