Volleyball Loses in Four Sets at Elms

CHICOPEE, Mass. - The Mitchell College women's volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision at Elms College on Saturday afternoon in New England Collegiate Conference at Picknelly Arena.

The Blazers won by set scores of 25-15, 23-25, 25-21 and 25-15 to improve to 5-17 overall (2-5 NECC). Danielle Redding led all players with 16 kills to pace Elms while Kate Moriarty and Alex Mack added nine apiece.

Mitchell (3-12 overall, 1-5 NECC) was led by senior Amanda Garcia, who finished with 11 kills and four blocks. Junior Amanda Rowan chipped in with eight kills while Emily Stracuzzi added six. Senior Nicole Caminiti handed out 29 assists to fuel the offense while classmate Kaisea Caramante finished with a team-high 15 digs.

The Mariners fell behind 10-3 in the opening set but rallied back to cut the deficit to one at 16-15. However, the Blazers won the next nine points on the serve of Rachel Magnuson to close out the set.

Mitchell rebounded to even the match in the second set. Leading 23-18, the Mariners let the Blazers win four straight points before back-to-back kills by Garcia and Strucuzzi secured the stanza.

Shannon Bolton served Elms out to a 17-7 lead in the third set and Mitchell never caught back up. In the deciding fourth set, the Blazers jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never trailed.

Mitchell will next host Albertus Magnus College on Monday, October 26 at 6 p.m.