SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Sept. 11, 2012) – The Mount Holyoke College volleyball team saw sophomore Stephany Yang post 16 assists and a match-best 18 digs, but the Lyons could not get past Wellesley College as the Blue won, 3-0 in the NEWMAC opener for both squads. The victory keeps Wellesley's record perfect as they improve to 7-0 overall. MHC slips to 1-2 on the young season.

The two teams battled a tight set to open the evening. Mount Holyoke matched the Blue point for point, but costly errors down the stretch gave the 25-22 set victory to the visitors. Wellesley continued to pressure in the second set, taking it by a 25-14 margin, but the Lyons responded in the third frame.

Mount Holyoke came out of the huddle ready and built up a solid lead, but the Blue closed the gap to knot the set at 15-15 on a service ace by senior defensive specialist Vivian Hu (Bellaire, Texas/Bellaire). It continued to be a back-and-forth affair right up until the closing points as the visitors rallied from behind for the 26-24 set advantage and the match win.

Lyons' first year outside hitter Emma Sweeting (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y./Hastings) continued to shine, recording a game-best 10 kills to go along with nine digs, while junior captain and middle hitter Kristina Weld (Warwick, Mass./Pioneer Valley Regional) had three services aces and a solo block.

For Wellesley, junior outside hitter Hilary Ayers (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho/Lake City) recorded a game-high 23 assists, along with six digs and an ace. Hu had a team-best 16 digs, while sophomore middle hitter Lindsey Menichella (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Country Day) posted eight kills.

Both teams return to the court on Saturday to continue NEWMAC play. Mount Holyoke will travel to Clark University for a 1pm contest, while Wellesley hosts Springfield, also at 1pm.