HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College women's volleyball team lost in five sets to visiting Emmanuel College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Wednesday evening at Bridges Gymnasium in Henniker, New Hampshire.
THE BASICS
Score: Emmanuel 3, New England College 2 (19-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-19, 15-11)
Records: Pilgrims 6-7, 1-3 GNAC | Saints 8-3, 3-0 GNAC
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After the Pilgrims took the first set, they appeared poised for a victory when they went ahead 8-1 in the second behind the serving of sophomore Lily-Anne Heywood (Derry, N.H.) who tallied four kills and an ace in that opening run. But the Saints would rally, taking 14 of the next 19 points, surging ahead and tying the match at one set apiece. NEC would close out the third set on a 7-1 run, with freshman setter Alexandra Seijas (Fort Myers, Fla.) tallying two aces and two set assists in her own cause. But once again, Emmanuel would answer in the fourth, reeling off six straight points to take a 23-17 lead with junior Paula Tanguilig (Sandwich, Mass.) holding serve and ultimately taking the set. In the finale, the 'Grims found themselves in a 6-2 hole early on before pulling to within one at 12-11 behind a kill from Heywood. But the Saints closed it out to take the match.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Heywood had the best match of her career, tallying a career-high 13 kills and 14 digs with two a pair of aces.
- Emmanuel sophomore outside hitter Isabella Marquez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was dominant with 18 kills and 13 digs.
- NEC junior outside hitter Savannah Pilialoha (Waipahu, Hawaii) recorded nine kills and 14 digs in a gutsy performance.
- Tanguilig finished with 20 digs for the Saints, a team-best.
- NEC sophomore defensive specialist Krissy Cardello (Peabody, Mass.) finished with 21 digs on the night.
- Hitting percentage ultimately doomed the Pilgrims, as the Saints took a .190 to .125 edge in attacking.
UP NEXT
- NEC is back on the court on Saturday when they host Roger Williams University in a 2:00 p.m. match.
- Emmanuel plays their next match on Saturday when they head to Norwich for a GNAC Tri-Match.
