SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Sept. 13, 2011) – The Mount Holyoke College volleyball team suffered a 3-0 setback to MIT this evening at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. It was the NEWMAC opener for both squads. The Lyons were paced by sophomore outside hitter Martina Kneifel, who recorded nine kills, 12 digs and two service aces.

First year libero Kaleen Iwema collected 14 digs and two service aces, while classmates Alison Chu and Mollyanne Fitzpatrick combined for 12 assists.

MIT was led by first year setter Nicole Gagnier, who finished with 16 assists, two service aces and a pair of blocks. Junior outside hitter Trinity Leonard delivered six kills, while sophomore right side hitter Rachel Hunt added five. The Engineers also received solid production from junior libero Katie Spielbauer, who tallied 17 digs.

Mount Holyoke (1-2, 0-1 NEWMAC) will return to action on Thursday, when it visits the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for a non-conference contest beginning at 7:00 p.m. MIT (9-0, 1-0 NEWMAC) is scheduled to host Clark University (11:00 a.m.) and Simmons College (3:00 p.m.) on Saturday.