NASHUA, N.H.- The New England College women's volleyball team competed against two Great Northeast Athletic Conference foes in the Sharks Simmons University and Rivier University concluding in losses in both matches from Bishop Guertin High School. 

Game 1 

Score: New England College 0, Simmons University 3 (25-15, 25-12, 25-11) 

Records: Pilgrims 6-5, 1-1 GNAC | Sharks 6-6, 2-0 GNAC 

HOW IT HAPPENED  

• The Pilgrims performed at their best in the first set as they tried to climb their way into the lead going on an early 3-0 run with kills credited to senior middle blocker Tatiana Sampson (Kailua, Hawaii) and freshman setter Alexandra Seijas (Fort Meyers, Fla.) that brought the score to within four points, 11-7. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Sampson was the Pilgrims leader in kills accumulating five while Sophomore defensive specialist Krissy Cardello (Peabody, Mass.) had nine digs. 
• The Sharks senior outside hitter Claire Connors (Albany, Calif.) recorded 15 kills and graduate setter Chealsea Simmons (Newton, Mass.) finished with the match high in assist having 20. 
• SU freshman defensive specialist Carolina Rodriguez (Carolina, Puerto Rico) compiled nine digs. 
• Both NEC Seijas and sophomore outside hitter Lily-Anne Heywood (Derry, N.H.) gathered seven assists, respectively. 

Game 2 

Score: New England College 2, Rivier University 3 

Records: Pilgrims 6-6, 1-2 GNAC | Raiders 6-3, 3-1 GNAC (21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 17-25, 9-15) 

HOW IT HAPPENDED  

• The first set belonged to the Raiders as they capitalized on eight service aces produced with freshman defensive specialist Hannah Raab (Rochester, N.H.) leading the team with three of her own. 
• The Pilgrims took control in the next two sets as they gained the lead on the Raiders, 2-1. In the second NEC took advantage of 14 different errors caused by RU that made the difference in the end. The third set was more keenly contested but did not stop the Pilgrims from prevailing as junior outside hitter Torrance Robertson (Bakersfield, Calif.) had five kills. 
• NEC looked to continue the momentum they obtained but they had no answer for the offense displayed by the Raiders as they took home the conference victory. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• NEC Cardello finished with 28 digs having the team-high and senior outside hitter Renee McBride-Rogers (Midwest City, Okla.) wrapped up with 10 kills. 
• The Raiders senior defensive specialist Sofia Pawlusik (Burnt Hills, NY) had 26 digs while junior setter Ryan Hicks (Danbury, Conn.) had the match-high in assists with 47. 

• The Pilgrims are back home in Bridges Gym against Emmanuel College on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00 PM. 
• The Raiders will be up against University of St. Joesph on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00 PM.