THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe WPI this evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. In 25 previous meetings between the programs, the Lyons own an 18-7 advantage. They fell to the Engineers for the second time in a row last season, falling by a score of 3-0. Match Program

THE LYONS: Using a balanced attack, Mount Holyoke (7-9, 0-5 NEWMAC) raced to a pair of victories on Saturday. After downing the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 3-1, the Lyons blanked Becker College 3-0. Outside hitter Martina Kneifel has made an immediate impact as a first year. Over her first 15 collegiate contests, she has collected five double-doubles. Her 2.67 kills per set and 21 service aces are good for tops on the squad, and she has also delivered 3.23 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 20 aces. Outside hitters Kathryn Brummer and Morgan Cooley have chipped in with 1.77 and 1.38 kills per set, respectively. Meanwhile, defensive specialist Rosa Marruffo has collected a team high 3.88 digs per set. Middle hitters Kristina Weld and Tyler Protano-Goodwin have registered 17 and 16 blocks, respectively for the Lyons.

THE ENGINEERS: WPI (17-4, 3-2 NEWMAC) has exploded out the block, winning 17 of its first 21 matches this season. The Engineers picked up a pair of 3-0 victories over Eastern Nazarene College and Anna Maria College when they last took the court on Saturday. Outside hitter Bailey Sarber has amassed 2.43 kills per set, 18 blocks and a hitting percentage of 2.35 to lead the way. WPI has also received a boost from, outside hitter Belinda Nwagbara, who has collected 2.34 kills and 1.92 digs per set. Middle blockers Holly Ganser and Kerrin Beovich have delivered 38 and 37 blocks, respectively. Meanwhile, defensive specialist Joan Porambo has racked up 4.98 digs per set. Kim Woodward has dished out 6.10 assists per set to set the tone for WPI's offensive attack.

NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will take the court again on Saturday, when it competes in the LEC / NEWMAC Challenge at Plymouth State University. After facing off against Keene State College at 4:00 p.m., the Lyons will take on Plymouth State at 6:00 p.m. WPI will also return to action on Saturday, when it travels to Western New England College for a pair of matches. The Engineers will play against Elmira College at 1:00 p.m. and Western New England at 3:00 p.m.