HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College women's volleyball team split their Tri-match against visiting Elms College and Johnson & Wales University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Saturday at Bridges Gymnasium in Henniker, New Hampshire, sweeping the Blazers (25-17, 25-15, 25-21) before falling in three sets themselves to the Wildcats of JWU (25-19, 25-18, 25-14), one of the top teams in the conference. The Pilgrims finish the day with a 12-14 record, with a 7-8 mark in GNAC play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first match against Elms saw the Pilgrims battle their way to wins in the first two sets before being challenged late in the third set by the rallying Blazers. Just when it seemed that the visitors were poised to push it to a fourth, NEC senior middle-blocker Tatiana Sampson (Kailua, Hawaii) took control with a dominating kill to setup match point, with Sampson herself holding serve. Sophomore outside hitter Lily-Anne Heywood (Derry, N.H.) finished the Blazers off with a kill to give the 'Grims the victory.
- Against the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales, NEC had their best chance in the first set when they pulled to within two when a diving save from sophomore libero Krissy Cardello (Peabody, Mass.) sailed over the net and fell to pull the Pilgrims to within two at 21-19. But the visitors would close out the set by winning the next four points to take the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- NEC junior outside hitter Torrance Robertson (Bakersfield, Calif.) had one of her best days as a 'Grim, as she tallied 24 kills over six sets to go along with four service aces.
- Sampson, already NEC's all-time leader in blocks, posted a strong day at the net with 14 kills.
- Cardello totaled 31 digs on the day, averaging 5.16 per set.
- NEC sophomore setter Aurora Gutierrez-Macias (El Paso, Tex.) set the table for the offense against the Blazers with 21 set assists.
UP NEXT
- NEC is back on the court on Tuesday when they travel to Plymouth State University for a 4:00 p.m. match.
