Jamaica, N.Y.- The St. Johns volleyball team (14-10 overall, 3-2 BIG EAST) returns to action, after an 11-day hiatus, on Tuesday, October 22, when they host local rival Hofstra at Alumni Hall. The event will mark the inaugural match of the newly created Division I Queens-Nassau Volleyball Cup. The Red Storm volleyball program in conjunction with the Flying Dutchwomen volleyball program has created the Cup to promote and enhance what is already a heated local rivalry. The winner of the match will retain the Cup and local bragging rights for one year until the rivals meet again next season.

The two schools are so close in proximity, that myself and coach Kalafer of Hofstra wanted to add a little bit more to this local rivalry states Coach Persico-Smith. The all-time series is even at 4-4 and we wanted to start something that could grow into a yearly tradition.

The Red Storm is coming off an 11-day rest period and look to get back on track and focus on qualifying for the BIG EAST Tournament. The last time the Red Storm took the court was when they upset BIG EAST rival Connecticut, 3-2, in what coach Persico-Smith called The biggest victory at Alumni Hall in Red Storm volleyball history.

St. Johns has received contributions this season from all over the court. The Red Storm are led by freshman Jackie Ahlers (Stony Point, N.Y.) who has recorded a team-high 369 kills and 59 blocks. Junior setter Robyn Kurasaki (Milliani, Hawaii), who currently leads the BIG EAST in total assists, has been spreading the ball around, dishing out 996 assists and recording 218 digs. Senior Sarah McCrary (Walnut, Calif.) has contributed 302 kills and 34 service aces while senior Meaghan Creedon (Rohnert Park, Calif.) has added 174 kills and 37 blocks.

The Red Storm match versus Hoftsra will be played on Tuesday, October 22 at Alumni Hall. First serve is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The St. Johns volleyball team has designated October 22 as Student-Employee night. The first 50 St. Johns students to enter Alumni Hall will receive a free volleyball cup, while the first 50 Red Storm employees will receive a complimentary volleyball coffee mug.