HENNIKER, N.H. – It was a straight set sweep for the Pilgrims on Thursday night as they made quick work of the Vermont State University-Lyndon Hornets (25-8, 25-21, 25-13) to earn their first home victory of the 2026 season.
A 34-9 advantage on kills and 13-4 on service aces made for some smooth sailing for the Pilgrims. Eight of the team's aces came in the first set as the 'Grims earned the quick 1-0 lead on an all-around dominant effort.
The Hornets showed more resistance in the second set while trading leads early before the Pilgrims settled in and led by as many as 10 points. Freshman Jenna Sinclair (Weare, N.H.) led the team with five kills in the second set while junior Emma Bernard (Chester, N.H.) chipped in three. Lyndon reduced the lead down to three before a Sinclair kill secured the second set win.
VTSU-Lyndon jumped out to an early lead in set number three, but it did not last long as the Pilgrims surged ahead by as many as 15 points before the Hornets eventually succumbed, 25-13. Senior Tyra Kelly (Fresno, Calif.) was dominant with four kills in the set, part of a game-high eight kill, 2.5 block performance.
Junior Samantha Winters (Dover, N.H.) needed just one set to contribute a team-best five service aces, followed by sophomore Jennifer Orisma (Miami, Fla.) who added three in her season debut. Graduate Alexandra Seijas-Quea (Fort Myers, Fla.) had a team-high 11 assists.
NEC freshman Cassidy Saindon (Dracut, Mass.) tallied five kills, matching Sinclair who had a high .625 hitting percentage. The 'Grims had a .267 hitting percentage as a team while the Hornets had a -.173.
The Pilgrims are back in action on Saturday as they kick off conference play on the road against Albertus Magnus at 11:00 AM.
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