THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts Elms College and Castleton State College for a tri-match this afternoon at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. After facing off against Elms at noon, the Lyons will meet up with Castleton State at 4:00 p.m. The remaining match will feature Elms and Castleton State at 2:00 p.m. In 12 previous contests against St. Joseph, Mount Holyoke owns an 8-4 advantage. The Lyons have lost just once in 12 previous matches against Elms. They have never faced off against Castleton State.
Tri-Match Program
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (3-4, 0-3 NEWMAC) exploded out of the gate, winning its first three matches of the season. After blanking both Bay Path College and St. Joseph College, the Lyons picked up a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Daniel Webster College. They have since suffered four straight setbacks. Outside hitter Martina Kneifel has made an immediate impact as a first year. Over her first seven collegiate contests, she has collected four double-doubles. Her 2.41 kills and 3.74 digs per set are good for tops on the squad, and she has also delivered a team best 13 service aces. Kneifel was named NEWMAC Player of the Week on September 13. Mount Holyoke has also received solid production from setter Kateryna Kuc, who has dished out 6.11 assists per set to go with 13 aces. Outside hitters Kathryn Brummer and Morgan Cooley have chipped in with 1.70 and 1.56 kills per set, respectively. Meanwhile, defensive specialist Rosa Marruffo has collected 3.59 digs per set.
THE BLAZERS: Elms (2-10, 0-2 NECC) has posted shutout victories over the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Albertus Magnus College thus far this season. Outside hitter Stacy Croteau has recorded 2.00 kills and 2.53 digs per set to lead the way for the Blazers. Middle hitter Melissa Clark has amassed 1.97 kills and 1.82 digs per set to go with a team best 24 blocks. Meanwhile, setter Ashley Fuller has tallied 4.62 assists per set.
THE SPARTANS: Castleton State (2-5, 0-0 NAC) dropped its first four contests of the season before topping both Southern Vermont College (3-2) and Curry College (3-1) in back-to-back matches. The Spartans suffered a 3-1 setback to SUNY Cobleskill when they last took the court on Thursday. Middle hitter Ashley Kepaa has racked up team highs of 2.13 kills and 3.04 digs per set. Castleton State has also received solid production from right side hitter Sarah Wheeler, who has collected 1.65 kills and 3.04 digs per set. Setter Chelsea Schlosser has dished out a squad best 3.35 assists per set. Her 27 service aces are also good for tops on the team.
NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will return to action on Tuesday, when it hosts NEWMAC foe Wellesley College at 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Elms will entertain Regis College on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., and Castleton State will host Husson University and the Maine Maritime Academy next Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and noon, respectively.
