THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe Wellesley College this evening at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. In 50 previous meetings between the programs, the Blue own a 33-17 advantage. They have downed the Lyons 23 straight times, including twice last fall. Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (5-4, 0-3 NEWMAC) exploded out of the gate, winning its first three matches of the season. After suffering four straight setbacks, the Lyons rebounded with 3-0 victories over Elms College and Castleton State College on Saturday. Outside hitter Martina Kneifel has made an immediate impact as a first year. Over her first nine collegiate contests, she has collected five double-doubles. Her 2.64 kills per set and 18 service aces are good for tops on the squad, and she has also delivered 3.73 digs per set. 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 6.27 assists per set to go with 13 aces. Outside hitters Kathryn Brummer and Morgan Cooley have chipped in with 1.79 and 1.47 kills per set, respectively. Meanwhile, defensive specialist Rosa Marruffo has collected a team high 3.85 digs per set. Middle hitters Tyler Protano-Goodwin and Kristina Weld have registered 11 and 10 blocks , respectively for the Lyons.

THE BLUE: Wellesley (7-3, 3-0 NEWMAC) ran off seven straight victories after dropping its first two contests of the season. The Blue's streak came to an end on Saturday, when they fell 3-0 to Tufts University in the Championship of the MIT Invitational. Prior to that match, they raced to wins over Connecticut College, DeSales University and Springfield College at the event. Middle blocker Taylor King and setter Isabel Custodio were named to the All-Tournament Team. Outside hitter Elizabeth Campbell has piled up 3.45 kills and 3.32 digs per set to lead the way for Wellesley. The Blue have also received a boost from Custodio, who has dished out 4.58 assists per set to go with 2.61 kills and 2.30 digs per set. King's 20 blocks are good for tops on the squad. Meanwhile, setter Victoria Peng has tallied a team high 4.97 assists per set. 

NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke is slated to participate in the Wildcat Fall Classic at Johnson & Wales University this weekend. After facing off against Plymouth State University on Friday at 8:00 p.m., the Lyons will play in a pair of matches on Saturday. They will tangle with the host Wildcats at 10:00 a.m. before meeting up with Western Connecticut State University at 2:00 p.m. Wellesley will be off until next Tuesday, when it hosts Wheaton College for a NEWMAC tilt beginning at 7:00 p.m.