RINDGE, N.H. (9/30/25) - The Franklin Pierce volleyball team defeated the winless Southern New Hampshire Penmen, 3-1 (25-17, 15-25, 25-21, 25-17), on Tuesday, fronted by a 14-kill performance by senior outside hitter Katholiki Koukia (Rhodes, Greece).  

Koukia had a great night, leading the match with 14 kills, tied for her season-high she had against Saint Michael's on September 6, and a .478 hitting percentage. Each kill was precise and timely, helping the Ravens inch closer to victory.  

"From start to finish, I think my team was supporting me," said Koukia. "We didn't start as strong with our energy and everything, but I think we found it in the end, and it showed." 

Koukia seemed to be the prime target for senior setter Annaka Lindstrom (Dudley, MA), who led all players on the court with 34 assists on the night. Each set from Lindstrom was clean and supported each of Koukia's attacks. 

"Me and Annaka, from freshman year, you know, we are really close," said Koukia. "I'm glad to get the points for my team. It feels like they trust me, and I am always ready to help." 

The Ravens captured the first set against the Penmen with relative ease, but struggled in the second set. Ravens head coach Daniela Stake took the opportunity to experiment with her lineup early on, hoping to get better passing from the back row compared to the week prior.  

"We tried to put Kori (Garnhart) in the back row for Jayne (Hyatt) instead, but it didn't work out right," said Stake. "Once I put her back into the serve, now I had Kori serving, which she has a good serve, then Jayne had a good serve. So, it just kept, like, more pressure on our side, on the serve, and we were able to keep the serve a little longer." 

Stake adjusted her team coming out of the second set and entering the third. From there, the tone shifted. The Ravens played tightly with the Penmen to the very end of the third set but ultimately prevailed.  

A big part of the third set performance was from sophomore outside hitter Adrianna Reay (Bristol, CT), who not only amassed nine kills but led the Ravens with 16 digs, including one where she barely got her hand underneath the ball before it hit the floor.  

Strong performances from Koukia, Lindstrom, and Reay meant that when the Ravens entered the fourth set, they had all the momentum. The crowd at the Fieldhouse rocked, and the players could feel the energy.  

"We like it, we love it," said Koukia. "We are glad they've come to see us, and we would love for them to continue with our cheers." 

Now the team heads to New York to face the Mercy Mavericks, and the Ravens aim to focus on the small mistakes they made. 

"I think it's just focusing on pressing on the serve and just cleaning up a little bit on that offense," said Stake. "Then make sure our girls are rested and ready to play on Friday." 

The Ravens take on the Mavericks this Friday, October 3, at 6:00 p.m. in New York, a FloCollege (FloCollege/FloSports requires a paid subscription to watch content).