Box Score CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth volleyball team captured a road win against non-conference opponent Pine Manor College on Tuesday evening at Brunelli Court.
UMass Dartmouth won in straight sets, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-21, as the Corsairs improved their overall record to 5-8. The Gators slipped to 3-8 on the season.
In the opening set, UMass Dartmouth forced the home team to burn a timeout when the Corsairs utilized five kills and two service aces to jump out to a 9-2 lead. Pine Manor battled back, cutting the deficit as low as two points (13-11), but the UMass Dartmouth maintained control of the lead for the duration of the game to take a 25-21 Game 1 win.
The Gators and the Corsairs had a see-saw battle to start set two, with Pine Manor holding a 13-10 lead. Sophomore setter Christina Spinazola (Medway, Mass.) sparked a 6-0 run when she record five service aces to give the Corsairs the upper hand in the game. The Gators brought the set within one point (24-23) late in the set, but an attack error clinched Game 2 for the visitors.
With its backs against the wall in the third set, Pine Manor jumped out to a 10-3 lead and forced UMass Dartmouth to regroup and call a timeout. Spinazola started another run for the Corsairs, registered three of her eight services in the match to bring the game even at 16 apiece. UMass Dartmouth finished with a 7-3 run to take the third game and the match.
Spinazola led UMass Dartmouth with eight service aces and distributed 15 assists. Junior Eliza Bowes (West Yarmouth, Mass.) reached double-digit in kills for the third time this season, smashing 10 of her 24 attempts, while classmate Brianna Perry (New Bedford, Mass.) compiled 21 digs. The Corsairs had 12 different student-athletes tally a mark in the kill column in the victory.
For Pine Manor, Natasia Franklin led the offense with seven kills. Susan Le and Destiny Mann each added six kills and reached double-digit in digs with 10 and 12, respectively. Ashley Whiteshield contributed 17 assists and 11 digs for the Gators.
UMass Dartmouth is back in action tomorrow evening when the Corsairs travel to Mitchell for a 6:30 pm match.
