Volleyball Fights Hard in Loss at Conn

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Mitchell College dropped a 3-1 decision at Connecticut College on Wednesday night in a non-conference women's volleyball match-up.

The Mariners took the first set but lost the next three, with the Camels capturing the match behind set scores of 20-25, 25-15, 25-23 and 25-13. Katie Howley registered her seventh double-double of the season to pace the hosts. 

In the opening set, Mitchell (11-10 overall) scored the first three points and forced the Camels to burn a timeout following an ace by Stephanie Costabile. The teams then played each other tight throughout the frame, which featured 12 ties and six lead changes, before the Mariners finished strong. Trailing 20-19, the Mariners closed out the set on a 6-0 that included a kill by Ariana Carter and an ace by Olivia DeLoach.

The Mariners built a slight lead to begin the second set, but the Camels responded by going on a 7-1 run with McKaela Simons on setting and serving duties to take control. An ace by Simons extended the margin to twin figures at 22-12, and she later assisted Annie Wibbelsman on set point to allow the Camels to even the score.

Even though the visitors opened the scoring again at the start of the third frame, the Camels were able to shake off another tough start and jumped ahead for the first time at 11-10 following a Mitchell attack error. The Mariners tied the score four more times, but the Camels were able to end the set on a 3-1 run courtesy of a kill by Bridget Fatse.

Mitchell jumped out to an early lead for the fourth straight set on a Connecticut College attacking error followed by a kill by Brianna Ley. However, the Camels once again stormed back and built a 13-6 advantage by embarking on a 9-1 run. Christina LeDuc and Wibbelsman teamed up for a block to make it a double-digit game at 20-10, and Shannon Goodwin ended the match with a kill to lift the Camels to their seventh victory of the season.

Howley finished with 13 kills and 11 digs to lead the way for Connecticut College. McCue added a team-leading 17 digs, while Simons notched team highs with 25 assists and four aces to go along with seven digs.

Mitchell was paced by DeLoach's double-double effort. She ended the game with 10 kills and 12 digs. Cameron Childs finished with 15 digs and Claire Binfield and Lexi Hubbard combined for 23 assists.

Mitchell returns to conference play at Dean College on Saturday, October 26 at noon.