NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Salve Regina University women's volleyball battled through a challenging tri-match on Saturday, October 17, earning a thrilling five-set victory over Simmons College after opening the day against nationally ranked Smith College at Ainsworth Gymnasium.
The Seahawks (6-13, 1-5 NEWMAC) showcased their offensive firepower and resilience against Simmons, rallying from an opening-set loss to secure a 3-2 victory (22-25, 25-16, 25-18, 21-25, 15-8). Salve Regina also put up a fight against Smith, falling 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-10) to the Pioneers, who entered the contest with a 19-match winning streak.
Match One:
The Seahawks opened the tri-match against Smith, keeping the opening set competitive before the Pioneers pulled away for a 25-21 victory. Salve Regina recorded eight kills in the first set, with Anouk Jansen and Jenna DeFrancesco providing offensive contributions.
Smith gained momentum in the second set, hitting efficiently to take a 25-14 decision before closing out the match with a 25-10 win in the third.
Jansen and DeFrancesco led the Seahawks with six kills apiece, while Frankie Spadorcia added four kills and recorded a .333 hitting percentage. DeFrancesco also anchored the net defensively with three total blocks, while Cecelia Bronson contributed two blocks and two service aces.
Kalena Stavish paced the offense with 10 assists, and Kate Andy added eight assists. Madelyn Homer led the defensive effort with 12 digs, helping Salve Regina battle the Pioneers throughout the match.
Match Two:
The Seahawks responded in their second match of the day with a hard-fought five-set triumph over Simmons, demonstrating their ability to regroup and deliver in crucial moments.
After dropping the opening set 25-22, Salve Regina found its rhythm offensively, taking the second set 25-16 before following with a dominant 25-18 performance in the third. Simmons forced a deciding fifth set with a 25-21 victory in the fourth, setting the stage for the Seahawks to finish strong.
Salve Regina seized control in the decisive set, recording 11 kills while limiting Simmons to five. The Seahawks hit an impressive .429 in the fifth set, committing just two attack errors to secure the 15-8 victory.
Jansen delivered a standout performance, finishing with a match-high 29 kills. DeFrancesco added 14 kills, while Spadorcia contributed 13 kills and led the team with four total blocks.
Stavish orchestrated the offense with 55 assists, helping the Seahawks finish with 68 kills and a .256 hitting percentage. Salve Regina also held advantages in total blocks (6-4) and digs (80-59).
Defensively, Homer recorded a team-high 24 digs, while Gracy Spirito added 13 and Lily Dobbins finished with 12. Stavish and Kirra Baker each contributed two service aces.
ON THE HORIZON:
The Seahawks will be home at Rodgers Recreation Center on Tuesday, October 20, to host Coast Guard Academy at 7 p.m. in a NEWMAC match.
