(Valhalla, NY) -  All things considered, after a 700-day absence from the Viking Gymnasium floor, there was a lot of good on display from the Westchester Community College Women's Volleyball team on Tuesday night. Facing a Rockland Community College team that is typically in the mix for a Mid-Hudson Conference Championship, Westchester battled from start-to-finish. The Vikings battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to forth a fifth and deciding set. While Rockland ultimately secured the win with a 15-9 win during the final set, two matches into the 2021 season, it is clear that the Vikings are going to be able to compete with anybody on their schedule.

Freshman Mikaelyn Hannon (Yonkers, NY/Yonkers HS) recorded a match-high 17 kills, while fellow freshman Isabella Masucci (Valhalla, NY/Valhalla HS) notched her first career double-double with 19 assists and 11 digs, but the effort just fell short, as Rockland improved to 1-1 with a 3-2 win. The Hawks won the opening set 26-24, before Westchester tied things up with a 25-21 win during the second set. The teams continued to trade blows as Rockland won the third set 25-23, before Westchester forced the deciding set 25-22.

Aside from Hannon and Masucci having big nights, freshman Nehemie Fleurimond (White Plains, NY/Woodlands HS) had 10 kills, while sophomore Stefania Rinaldi (White Plains, NY/Valhalla HS) enjoyed a tremendous all-around match with nine kills, 10 assists, eight service aces, and seven digs.

The team stats reflected the closest of matches as Rockland hit .215, compared to Westchester's .104, while each team had 40 digs, and two total blocks.

Westchester CC returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 21 when the Vikings host Dutchess Community College at 7:00 p.m.