North Adams, Mass. – Powered by a strong effort from multiple players, including 18 kills from senior Martina Kneifel, the Mount Holyoke College volleyball team defeated Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts by a 3-1 margin on Tuesday evening. With the win, the Lyons move to 6-0 on the season, while the Trailblazers are now 3-4.

Mount Holyoke took a 2-0 advantage winning games one (25-12) and two (25-16) before MCLA charged back into the match for a 26-24 win in the third game.  The Lyons held strong in the fourth game, taking it and the match with the 27-25 victory.

Kneifel recorded 19 kills and 18 digs in her first game of the season. Junior captain Kaleen Iwema added 10 kills and a game-best 33 digs, while first year setter Natalie Lyon chipped in with 16 assists and 12 digs. The Trailblazers were led by Rachel Mills, who had eight kills, while Kendra Hobbs and Jackie Paluilis both recorded 28 digs.

Mount Holyoke returns to the court on Saturday when it opens its home schedule at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium.  Game one at 11am features the Lyons against Westfield State, followed by Westfield State vs. UMass-Dartmouth (1pm) and MHC against UMass-Dartmouth (3pm).