Volleyball Makes Season Debut at NEC

HENNIKER, N.H. -- The Mitchell College women's volleyball team returned to the court on Saturday afternoon for the first time in over 16 months, falling by a 3-0 final to New England College in Bridges Gymnasium.

The Mariners lost by set scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-23. Bree Rudolph posted a match-high 13 kills and hit .250 despite the extended layoff. Claire Binfield handed out 16 assists while Stephanie Costabile added 11 digs.

NEC never trailed in the opening set and used a 5-0 run to pull away late. In the second set, Barron Kenzie served for 13 straight points to start things off, and the Mariners never had a chance of digging out of the hole.

Mitchell showed some moxie in the third. After falling behind 5-0 at the start, the Mariners rallied on Binfield's serve and ripped off seven unanswered points take a 13-11 lead. The two sides then battled for the remainder of the set, although the Pilgrims captured the final three points to close out the match.

Mitchell will next play a doubleheader at Eastern Nazarene College on Thursday, April 1 at 6 p.m.