Patchogue, N.Y. - The Mount Saint Mary College women's volleyball team is beginning to reap the rewards of a very difficult non-conference schedule, winning back-to-back Skyline Conference matches on Saturday during a Skyline match-date held at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, N.Y. The Blue Knights opened the day with a three-game victory over host St. Joseph's (L.I.) and then pulled out a five-game win over Farmingdale. MSMC is now 9-15 overall and sits in second place in the Skyline with an impressive 4-1 conference record.

Against St. Joseph's, the Blue Knights started fast, doubling up the Eagles in game one, 30-15. MSMC didn't let up either, winning game two by a score of 30-22 and game three by a score of 30-28.

Senior Ashley Barnhart (Kingston, N.Y.) continued her very strong play with 12 kills and 14 digs. She also set the school record for service aces in a three-game match, finishing with 13. Junior Amanda Carfora (Wallkill, N.Y.) was nearly perfect with her hitting, finishing the match with 15 kills against only one error. She also had 13 digs. Sophomore Katie Toole (Wallkill, N.Y.) posted a double-double, racking up 26 assists to go along with 10 digs.

With the first win under their belts, the Blue Knights prepared for Farmingdale, a winner in five games over the Mount earlier this season. This time, MSMC got the better of the Rams, winning in five games. It wasn't easy, though, as the Blue Knights were forced to rally from two games down after losing the first (30-23) and the second (30-19). MSMC crusied to a 30-17 win in game three and then squeaked out a 31-29 victory in game four. Putting their earlier game five losses out of their minds, the Blue Knights were able to take the deciding game, 15-11.

Carfora was spectacular down the stretch and carried the Mount in the deciding game. In game five alone, Carfora had 7 kills, 10 digs, and a block. She finished the match with 21 kills against only 6 errors, 11 digs, and 4 blocks. Barnhart had her second double-double of the day, recoring 16 kills and 18 digs. Toole tallied 38 assists and senior Katie Goodrich (Binghamton, N.Y.) had 17 digs.

At 4-1, the Blue Knights are well-positioned entering the final weeks of Skyline play. Up next for the Mount is Maritime College, whom they will host on Wednesday, October 17 beginning at 7:00 in the Kaplan Center.