Volleyball Splits Pair to Begin 2009 Campaign

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (Sept. 12, 2009) – The Mount Holyoke College women’s volleyball team kicked off its 2009 campaign with a pair of matches this afternoon at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. After downing Becker College 3-0, the Lyons suffered a 3-0 setback to the host Trailblazers. Both contests took place at the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

In its first contest of the afternoon, Mount Holyoke cruised to a 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-22) triumph over Becker (2-3, 0-0 NECC). First year outside hitter Morgan Cooley collected eight kills in her collegiate debut. Meanwhile, junior setter Kateryna Kuc amassed 11 assists, and junior defensive specialist Rosa Marruffo added seven digs. It was the first ever meeting between the two programs.

Mount Holyoke was blanked 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-8) by MCLA (5-0, 0-0 MASCAC) in its second match of the day. The Lyons had been unbeaten against the Trailblazers in 12 previous meetings. With the win, the hosts ran their record to 5-0 on the year. Kuc piled up 23 helpers in a losing effort, while Cooley and first year middle hitter Kathryn Brummer amassed ten kills apiece. Brummer added nine digs.

The Lyons (1-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) will get their New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) slate underway on Tuesday, when they visit Wellesley College at 7:00 p.m.