Seahawks tie program record for wins with sweep of Lions

NEWPORT, R.I. - The Salve Regina University women's volleyball team had three players finish with double-digit kills as they defeated Emerson College in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-23), during a non-conference match at the Rodgers Recreation Center on Tuesday night. The win ties the Salve Regina program record for wins in a single season, improving the club to 12-7 overall, while the Lions drop to 15-5 on the year.

Senior Julianne Barry (Randolph, Mass.) had an outstanding game for Salve Regina, leading all players with 12 kills on just 17 attacks to compile a hitting percentage of .588, while also recording four blocks. Sophomore Clare Adams (New Concord, Ohio) added 11 kills, nine digs, and three blocks in the win, while freshman Jennifer Duggan (Merrimack, N.H.) contributed 10 kills, eight digs, and two blocks. The Seahawks also received terrific performances from junior Megan Clancy (Chelmsford, Mass.) and freshman Taylor Violet (Tiverton, R.I.). Clancy led all players with 28 digs on the night, while Violet had a match-high 37 assists to go along with nine digs.

The Lions were paced by senior Kathleen Bailey (Calabasas, Calif.) who led the team in assists (17), kills (5), and aces (2). Sophomore Jamie Morgan (Willington, Fla.) compiled a team-high 13 digs, while senior Alexa Krakowiak (Sauk Village, Ill.) added three blocks in the loss.

The first set was fiercly contested, with neither team holding more than a three point advantage. The two teams battled to scores of 4-4, 6-6, 9-9, and 17-17 to open the frame.

Trailing 9-6, the Lions ran off six consecutive points, including a kill by Bailey, a block by Krakowiak, and an ace by Kelsey Scanlon (Pittsburgh, Pa.) to grab a 12-9 advantage.

The Seahawks trailed 17-15 before scoring five striaght points to reclaim the lead. Senior Jessica Meyer (Seymour, Conn.) tied the score with an ace and Duggan followed with consecutive kills to give Salve Regina a 20-17 edge. The two teams traded points the rest of the way and the Seahawks eventually took the set 25-22 on a kill from Barry.

The second set was quite different from the rest, as the Seahawks dominated their way to a 25-13 victory. Salve Regina recorded a .462 hitting percentage in the frame, compiling 13 kills and just one error on 26 attacks.

The Lions refused to go easily in the third set, battling the Seahawks to a 10-all tie early on. After Salve Regina scored six of the next seven points to build a 16-11 advantage, the Lions roared right back to tie the score at 19.

Emerson was in position to take the set, leading 23-21, however, the Seahawks dug deep and scored the final four points of the match, including a pair of kills from Adams down the stretch, to earn the 25-23 win.

The Lions will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Thursday when they host Simmons at 6 p.m., while the Seahawks hit the road on Saturday to battle Mass. Maritime and Clark in a non-conference tri-match beginning at 1 p.m.