NEWPORT, R.I. — The Salve Regina University women's volleyball team battled Wellesley College on Saturday afternoon at Rodgers Recreation Center, pushing the Blue throughout the opening two sets before Wellesley secured a 3-0 victory by scores of 26-24, 25-20 and 25-19.
Salve came out with a strong competitive effort in the opening set, trading points with Wellesley before the Blue narrowly claimed the frame, 26-24. The Seahawks continued to fight in the second set, even holding an 11-10 advantage in kills, but Wellesley used a late push to take the set, 25-20.
The Seahawks again battled in the third set, but Wellesley closed out the match with a 25-19 victory.
Anouk Jansen led Salve's offensive attack with eight kills, while Jenna DeFrancesco delivered an efficient performance with seven kills on 14 attacks for a .429 hitting percentage. Abby McRoy also made an impact at the net, recording four kills on seven attacks while adding a pair of block assists.
Salve's offense was directed by Kalena Stavish and Kate Andy, who combined for 22 assists. Stavish finished with 13 assists and an ace, while Andy contributed nine assists and a service ace.
Lauren Shurling provided a steady defensive presence with a team-high eight digs, while Madelyn Homer added seven digs. Lily Dobbins contributed five digs and led the Seahawks with two service aces.
At the net, Jansen and McRoy each recorded two block assists, while DeFrancesco added one. Frankie Spadorcia added four kills and a block assist as Salve continued to challenge Wellesley throughout the afternoon.
Despite the setback, the Seahawks showed their competitiveness against a Wellesley team that entered the match 8-4 overall and 2-2 in NEWMAC play. Salve finished with 28 kills, 23 assists, five aces, four block assists and 31 digs.
ON THE HORIZON:
On Tuesday, October 6, at 6 p.m. Salve Regina will travel to play Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a NEWMAC match.
