Volleyball Falls 3-0 to Becker

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Mitchell College women's volleyball team opened New England Collegiate Conference play with a 3-0 loss to Becker College on Saturday afternoon at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

Becker (4-13 overall, 1-0 NECC) won by set scores of 25-15, 25-21 and 25-18. Marissa Turner led the Hawks with a match-high nine kills and hit .273 on the day. Kirsti Hadzewycz chipped in with seven kills while Charlene Landry added 20 assists and 15 digs.

Amanda Garcia paced the Mariners (4-10 overall, 0-1 NECC) with eight kills while Janelle Rice and Myia Williams each contributed six. Nicole Caminiti finished with 19 assists while Kaisea Caramante recorded a match-high 26 digs.

The Hawks won nine of the first 12 points in the opening set to seize control early. Danielle Robbie later served for four straight points to extend the lead to 15-7, and Becker eventually ran the margin to as many as 13 before closing it out by 10.

The second set was the closest of the match, as Mitchell grabbed the early lead but fell behind when Samantha Lee served the Hawks to a 9-6 advantage. Becker never trailed again in the stanza, but Mitchell kept it close throughout. With the scored tied at 21-21, the Hawks went on a 4-0 run to take the set. Chase Peterson recorded an ace to bring up set point and Hadzewycz finished things off with a kill as Becker went up 2-0.

Mitchell got off to a slow start in the third set but ultimately fought its way back into contention. With the Mariners trailing 18-13, Italia Krick served for five straight points to even up the set. However, it would be the last points that Mitchell would record, as Becker rallied for seven straight points to seal the victory. Turner had a pair of kills during the stretch while Landry added one and Hadzewycz chipped in with an ace.

Becker held a 10-2 advantage in service aces in the contest. Turner finished with three to lead the Hawks while Lee, Hadzewycz and Peterson all finished with a pair.

Mitchell will next play at MCLA on Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. Becker returns to action at home against Newbury College on Tuesday at 7 p.m.