NORTON, Mass. (Sept. 18, 2010) – The Mount Holyoke College women's volleyball team suffered a pair of heartbreaking 3-2 setbacks this afternoon at Wheaton College's Emerson Gymnasium. After falling to New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe Wheaton, the Lyons were edged by Bridgewater State University.
In its match against Wheaton, Mount Holyoke rallied back from a 2-0 deficit but could not deliver the knockout blow. The Lyons got on the board with a 25-21 win in the third set and evened things up with a thrilling 26-24 triumph in the fourth. They were then outscored 15-11 in the fifth and deciding frame. Outside hitter Martina Kneifel led the way with 15 kills, while senior setter Kateryna Kuc added 30 assists and five service aces. Sophomore outside hitter Kathryn Brummer chipped in with a career best 29 digs.
The Lyons came up just short in their second match of the day, as well. This time, they led Bridgewater State 2-1 before dropping the final two sets. Kneifel came up with her third double-double of the season on 14 kills and 22 digs. The rookie also added a pair of service aces. Kuc piled up 27 assists, 20 digs and three aces, while senior defensive specialists Rosa Marruffo collected 21 digs.
Mount Holyoke (3-3, 0-2 NEWMAC) will resume its NEWMAC slate on Tuesday at the Coast Guard Academy beginning at 7:00 p.m.
