2009 LEC / NEWMAC Volleyball Challenge

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 17, 2009) – The Keene State College women’s volleyball team highlighted the second annual Little East Conference (LEC) / New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Challenge with a pair of shutout victories today at the Mildred Howard Gymnasium. Smith College and Plymouth State University each finished with 1-1 records, while host Mount Holyoke College went winless.

Mount Holyoke College vs. Keene State College

Keene State got its day started with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-11) triumph over Mount Holyoke. The Owls were paced by sophomores Bridget O’Bryant and Ellyse Davis, who posted ten and eight kills, respectively. Senior Abby Rosen collected 13 digs, while first year Emily Hebert added 14 assists.

Leading the way for the Lyons was junior Kateryna Kuc, who finished with six assists. Classmate Rosa Marruffo totaled six digs, while first year Morgan Cooley contributed four kills.

Smith College vs. Plymouth State University

In the most competitive match of the afternoon, Smith edged Plymouth State 3-2 (25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12). The Pioneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead before falling in the third and fourth sets. They then rebounded with a 15-12 victory in the fifth and deciding set.

Senior Bethany Weiss piled up 22 kills, five digs, five blocks and three service aces for Smith. The Pioneers also received solid production from junior Lauren Martinez , who delivered 29 assists, 13 digs and five service aces. Senior Mikal Minarich registered 12 kills and 20 digs, while classmate Brianne Connizzo chipped in with 25 digs.

Plymouth State was paced by senior Brianna Kleckner, who dished out 41 assists. Classmate Carly Newton amassed 17 kills and three blocks, while sophomore Meghan Sullivan recorded 16 kills and 20 digs. Sophomore Alex Avery pitched in with 29 digs.

Mount Holyoke College vs. Plymouth State University

Plymouth State rebounded from its second loss of the season with a 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-19) triumph over Mount Holyoke in its second match of the day.

Kleckner notched 32 assists and 13 digs to led the way. Newton tallied 15 kills, and Avery added 16 digs.

Kuc amassed 14 assists for Mount Holyoke. Junior Kara Neidhardt registered 18 digs, while Cooley posted eight kills.

Smith College vs. Keene State College

Keene State completed the sweep with a convincing 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-11) win over Smith.

Rosen racked up a career best 28 digs to spark the Owls. Senior Jordan Pokryfki distributed 33 assists, while sophomore Tiffani Brooks totaled ten kills. Davis chipped in with 13 kills and six blocks.

Sophomore Courtney Faria recorded eight assists for Smith. The Pioneers also received a boost from junior Shakwana Etienne, who posted six kills. Weiss added five kills.

Mount Holyoke (4-16, 0-6 NEWMAC) and Smith (6-13, 2-4 NEWMAC) are slated to resume their NEWMAC schedules in front of their home crowds on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The Lyons will face off against the Coast Guard Academy, while Smith will entertain Springfield College. Keene State (12-15, 2-3 LEC) will also be at home on Tuesday, when it entertains Worcester State College at 7:00 p.m. Plymouth State (24-2, 5-0 LEC) will return to action on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. against Middlebury College on its home court.