KEENE, N.H. – Powered by a dominant performances by juniors
Chelsea Sanker and
Kate Wade, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth women's volleyball team exits Keene with a convincing, 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-18) win over conference opponent Keene State on Saturday. The Corsairs have won six of their last seven matches, and have taken their last 12 consecutive sets. Their strong opening to conference play improves the Corsairs' record to 11-6 overall, and now a 3-0 in the Little East Conference (LEC). The Owls dip to 8-10 overall and slide to 2-2 in the LEC
After a slow start to the opening set where the Corsairs fell behind 5-2, the team responded with eight straight points to earn a comfortable 10-5 lead. Sophomore
Sabrina Bordone was the server during the run. The Owls fought back into the set, but ultimately UMD came away with the 25-19 win in the opening set.
UMass Dartmouth carried their momentum into the second set, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, before stretching that lead to 10-4. The Corsairs saw Sanker shine in the second set, where she recorded eight kills alongside Wade who added five of her own in the frame. Sanker's eight kill closed out the set in favor of UMass Dartmouth, 25-21.
The third set was very competitive early on, with the Owls on top 15-13 around the midway point in the set. The Corsairs rallied with a 12-3 run to put away Keene State and secure yet another 3-0 victory for the Corsairs.
UMass Dartmouth looked dominant once again in their third conference match this season. Sanker and Wade headed the attack with 15 and 14 kills, respectively. Additionally, they each recorded a block assist and Wade tallied two service aces and 13 digs as well. Sophomore
Emily Pogorelec had a phenomenal game defensively, counting up 35 total digs. Freshman
Skye Peters added 21 set assists. Also having a solid showing in Keene was senior Gabriella Monica, who recorded six kills, and senior
Devon Laing who added 5 kills along with two block assists and 13 digs.
The UMass Dartmouth women's volleyball team is back in action on Wednesday, October 11, for an LEC battle with Rhode Island College. The contest is scheduled to start at 7:00PM.
