Volleyball Opens Season With 3-1 Win Over Albertus Magnus

New London, Conn. - The Mitchell College volleyball team opened the 2009 season with a 3-1 victory over Albertus Magnus College on Wednesday night at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

Mitchell (1-0 overall) bounced back from a 25-23 defeat in the first set to win the next three by finals of 25-19, 25-22 and 25-21. Senior middle hitter Heather-Renae Powers recorded a game-high 17 kills to pace the Mariners while junior Jennifer Bordonaro dished out a game-high 33 assists.

Albertus Magnus (0-1 overall) was led by freshman Melissa Stasiak, who finished with seven kills. Classmate Martiza Rosemond added a team-high 10 assists for the Falcons.

Mitchell jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first set and took its biggest lead at 13-7. Albertus Magnus then rallied back with 10 of the next 12 points to take a 17-15 advantage. The set remained close the rest of the way, with the Falcons scoring the final two points to claim the 25-23 win.

The second set was just as close, as neither squad was able to open up much of a margin. With the set tied at 15-15, the Mariners closed with a 10-4 rally to even the match at one set apiece. Powers had three kills during the stretch while junior Stephanie Davis had two, including the finish on the set-winning point.

Mitchell fell behind early in the third set but rallied back to take its first lead at 21-20. Albertus Magnus won two of the next three points to tie the game at 22-22, but Mitchell responded with the final three points to take the set.  Davis once again provided the final blow, finishing off an assist from Bordonaro for the kill.

After taking a 4-3 lead in the fourth set, the Mariners never again trailed en route to the victory. Mitchell broke the game open with four straight points midway through the set to take an 18-12 lead. Powers supplied the final kill of the match, the 50th for the Mariners on the day.

Davis and sophomore Kimberly Campbell  each finished with 10 kills to help pace Mitchell. Bordonaro and Davis also recorded nine digs apiece while sophomore Brittany Zaccaria notched four service aces.

The volleyball team returns to action against Pine Manor on Saturday, September 12 at the Yarnall Atheltic Center.  Game time is set for 1 p.m.