BRIDGEWATER, Mass. —  The Salve Regina University women's volleyball team battled back from a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth set against Bridgewater State University on Friday evening, ultimately falling 3-2 at the Adrian Tinsley Center.
Anouk Jansen led the Salve Regina attack with a match-high 16 kills, adding six digs and a .308 hitting percentage. Lauren Shurling followed with 14 kills, 11 digs, and a team-high three service aces, recording 18 points to lead the Seahawks.
Salve Regina found its rhythm in the third set, posting a match-best .333 hitting percentage while limiting Bridgewater State to a .088 mark. The Seahawks continued their momentum into the fourth set, overcoming a competitive frame with a 25-22 victory to even the match at two sets apiece.
Jenna DeFrancesco contributed eight kills and a team-high five block assists, while Frankie Spadorcia added six kills and five total blocks. Kalena Stavish distributed 22 assists and recorded seven digs, while Kate Andy chipped in 18 assists.
Defensively, Madelyn Homer anchored the Seahawks with a match-high 22 digs. Shurling added 11 digs, helping Salve Regina finish with a 74-67 advantage in the category. The Seahawks also capitalized from the service line, recording 10 aces compared to Bridgewater State's five. Cecelia Bronson contributed two aces, while Stavish added two of her own.
In the deciding fifth set, Salve Regina continued to battle, but Bridgewater State edged out the 15-12 victory to secure the match.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Bridgewater State 3, Salve Regina 2
Records: Salve Regina (8-16,2-7Â NEWMAC), Bridgewater State (16-3,6-0Â MASCAC)
ON THE HORIZON:
Women's volleyball will be on the road on Tuesday, November 3, at 7 p.m. to face Springfield College in a NEWMAC match.
