Women's Volleyball Splits Pair of Matches

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology women's volleyball team went 1-1 in their two matches Saturday, first dropping a 0-3 decision to WPI, then picking up a 3-0 victory over Anna Maria in their second contest.

WPI 3, Wentworth 0

After taking an early 2-0 lead in the opening set, the Leopards (6-2) fell behind following eight consecutive points from the Engineers (8-0). Wentworth closed the deficit to three points before WPI took control. The home team started to pull away, and late in the set went on a 5-1 run to take a 23-15 lead. However, the Leopards fought their way back into the set, winning eight of the next nine points to cut WPI's lead to one. But the Engineers were able to hold off the attack and took the opening frame by a 25-23 score.

The two team traded points to open the middle set, as Wentworth took a 5-4 lead early on. But WPI was once again able to string together several points midway through the set to take command of the set. After getting within one point at 13-12, the visitors dropped 11 of the following 12 points as the Engineers put the set out of reach, going on to win set two 25-14 and a two sets to none lead.

The Leopards were once again able to take an early lead, jumping out to a 3-1 advantage. But WPI then went on a roll, going on an 11-3 run to create a 12-point advantage, then closed the set and match out afterward, winning the final set 25-13.

Helen Barthe (Blythewood, S.C.) led the way for Wentworth with five kills, while Lexi Zabloudil (London, Oh.) followed with four. Ashley Cao (Morrisville, N.C.) had nine assists for the visitors, and Peyton Tague (The Woodlands, Texas) tied with Zabloudil for the team lead in digs with six.

Wentworth 3, Anna Maria 0

The Leopards came back strong in the second match of the day, picking up a 3-0 victory to earn their sixth victory of the season. Wentworth got off to a strong start in the latter match, taking an early 6-1 lead in the first set. Following a flurry by the Amcats (1-4) to draw even at 12-12 midway through the set, the Leopards took over, going on an 8-1 run to gain a seven-point advantage and eventually winning the opening set 25-18.

Anna Maria took an early two-point lead in the middle frame, but Wentworth once again responded, this time with six consecutive points to build an 8-4 lead. The two team traded points back and forth until the Amcats came back later in the set, tying it up at 16 apiece and eventually going ahead by two. The Leopards were nearly flawless the rest of the way, surrendering only one more point and picking up nine of the next 10 points to earn a 25-19 victory.

The third set was a tale of two halves, as Wentworth took command early and looked as though they might run away with it. The Leopards gained a 12-5 lead following a 7-1 stretch and appeared to be in control. But Anna Maria slowly fought their way back into the set and went on a late 8-2 run to tie it at 23-23. But Wentworth was able to come through late, winning the final two points to take the set and the match.

Riley Waggoner (Simi Valley, Calif.) led the Leopards with 14 kills, while Cao and Abby Warren (Gilmanton, N.H.) each had five. Cao picked up a team-high 17 assists, and Jordan Chapman (Clearwater, Fla.) had nine helpers. Viviann Goulet (North Kingstown, R.I.) had nine digs to lead the team, and Megan Davies (Chandler, Ariz.) followed closely behind with eight.

THE SERIES:

This was the 12^th meeting with WPI, and the Engineers now hold a 9-3 advantage in the series. The Leopards now hold a 22-4 all-time mark against Anna Maria.

NEXT UP:

Wentworth is right back on the road Tuesday evening, as they travel to UMass Dartmouth to take on the Corsairs. Match time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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