Volleyball Wins Home Opener

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's volleyball team picked up a 3-0 victory in its home opener against Saint Joseph College on Wednesday night at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

Mitchell (2-1 overall) won by final scores of 25-21, 25-22 and 25-18. Senior Bianca Young led all players with seven kills while freshman Nicole Terni added a match-high 12 assists to pace the Mariners.

In the opening set, Mitchell rushed out to a big lead behind the serve of senior Brittany Zaccaria. She served for six straight points—including five aces—to put the Mariners in front 11-3.

Saint Joseph (1-6 overall) rallied back, however, to lead 21-20 before Mitchell ran off six of the final seven points to take the set. Junior Kendra Erskine served for four straight points during the stretch while sophomore Gloria Charles came up with a huge block to set up match point.

The Blue Jays trailed 17-15 in the second set when Jessica Patrizi served for four straight points to put her team ahead 19-17. The Mariners rallied to tie the score at 22-22 and closed out the set on three straight service points by Terni, who finished with four aces in the contest.

Junior Arianna Thomas put the Mariners ahead early in the final set, serving for six points to stake Mitchell to an 8-2 lead that it would never relinquish. The Blue Jays would pull to within 16-13 but would get no closer.

Jen Braun and Marie DiPinto each finished with four kills to lead Saint Joseph. Patrizi recorded a team-high five assists while Elizabeth Tuazon added a match-high 10 digs.

Mitchell held a 16-7 edge in service aces. Zaccaria led all players with five aces and also added a team-high seven digs.

Mitchell will next play a doubleheader on Saturday, September 17 at Albertus Magnus College. The Mariners will take on Norwich University at 3 p.m. and Albertus Magnus at 5 p.m.