(Loch Sheldrake, NY) - After sputtering to an 0-2 start to the 2019 season during which they dropped every set they competed in, the Westchester Community College Women's Volleyball team entered Thursday night's encounter with Sullivan CC looking very much like a team prepared to hit its stride. After a win on Saturday over Dutchess CC, followed by a five-set thriller of a loss to Monroe-Bronx on Tuesday, the Vikings took to the floor at Sullivan with high hopes, and returned home with their season firmly turned around after a 3-1 win over the Generals.

With the victory, Westchester CC improves to 2-3 overall and in Region XV play, and is 2-2 against Mid-Hudson Conference competition. 

Westchester won the match 25-17, 16-25, 26-24, and 25-16 to defeat Sullivan CC for the sixth consecutive time, and 13th time during 14 matches dating back to Oct. 5, 2013. The last Sullivan CC win in this series was on Sept. 27, 2016. 

Sophomore Gabriela Faria (Yonkers, NY/Saunders HS) continues to make strides in becoming one of the fiercest middle players in the Mid-Hudson Conference. On Thursday night, she amassed a team-high eight kills for the second consecutive match, and added three blocks and two service aces, capping an incredible all-around week for the second-year player, who rejoined the program after a four-year break for the 2019 campaign. Her steady presence in the middle is a big factor behind Westchester's recent stellar play. 

Also for the Vikings, freshman Cristina Stasolla (Dobbs Ferry, NY/Maria Regina) enjoyed another terrific match, contributing 10 assists and three services. WCC was also led by freshman Stefania Rinaldi (White Plains, NY/Valhalla HS), who contributed five kills, six assists, and a match-high nine service aces. 

Westchester now faces their biggest challenge of the young season with three huge matches coming this weekend.  On Saturday, the Vikings travel to Borough of Manhattan Community College for a tri-match with BMCC and Fashion Institute of Technology, the nation's 10th ranked team after a 10-0 start during which the Tigers have yet to drop a set. On Sunday, Westchester CC squares off with Bronx Community College. All three matches this weekend will count in the Region XV standings.