CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University women's volleyball freshman Samantha Ashton (Colonia, N.J.) set a new career best with 40 assists as the Cougars fell 3-1 to Jefferson  in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play.
 
The Cougars fall to 7-12 overall and 6-4 in the CACC, while the Rams improve to 14-7 and 9-1 in conference play.
 
Caldwell trailed 24-21 in the opening set before scoring four straight points to go ahead 25-24. The Cougars scored two of the final three points to take the opening set 27-25. Jefferson evened the match with a 25-20 set two win. Jefferson led 24-22 in the third set but Caldwell rallied back to pull even at 25. The Rams pushed ahead to win 28-26 and won the fourth set 25-18.
 
Ashton posted 40 assists along with three kills, one solo block and 11 digs. Freshman Elise Smith (O'Fallon, Ill.) led the way with 17 kills, two solo blocks and five digs. Sophomore Chloe Kissner (Seabrook, Texas) chipped in 10 kills and three digs, while junior Katie Compagno (Orland Park, Ill.) finished with eight kills and three digs.
 
Freshman Humiko Stormer (Luckey, Ohio) totaled 22 digs, while sophomore Alejandra Leal Montes (Gurabo, Puerto Rico) added 10 digs.
 
The Cougars host American International on Friday, October 5 at 7:00 pm at the Newman Center.