WHEATON TOPS EMMANUEL IN THREE
Oct. 29, 2009
BOSTON, Mass. - The Wheaton College Lyons took care of the Emmanuel College Saints in straight sets on Thursday night in non-conference women's volleyball action played in the Jean Yawkey Center. The Lyons dropped the Saints, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-22. With the win, Wheaton improved to 18-14 on the season, while Emmanuel fell to 16-11 overall.
The visitors were paced by sophomore outside hitter Miranda Howitt (San Francisco, Calif.), who recorded a double-double in the win. Howitt slammed down 10 kills and gathered 17 digs in a solid all-around effort.
Senior middle Lauren Kraus (Westboro, Mass.) led the Lyons' offense with a match-high 11 kills, while rookie outside hitter Rachel Vergara (Needham, Mass.) chipped in with 9 kills. Both Kraus and Vergara were also strong defensively, combining for 6 blocks in the front row. Sophomore defensive specialist Emily Davisson (Carpinteria, Calif.) picked up a team-high 20 digs, while Lyons setter Becca Rose (Sudbury, Mass.) handed out 36 assists.
The host Saints struggled offensively, with no player recording double-figures in kills. Sophomore middle Rebecca Stanton (Quincy, Mass.) led the way with 6 kills and a match-high 8 blocks. Outside hitters Jenna Ross (Centerburg, Ohio) and Megan Murray (Killingworth, Conn.) combined for 8 kills and 23 digs, while sophomore setter Kathryne Olsen (Fairhaven, Mass.) dished out 14 assists for Emmanuel. Freshman libero Samantha Andazola (Queen Creek, Ariz.) led the hosts' defense with a team-high 20 digs.
Emmanuel will host a crucial GNAC tri-match on Saturday, October 31st. The Saints will take on Saint Joseph (Conn.) in the opening match at 12pm. Emmanuel will then battle undefeated Emerson College at 4pm for a share of first place in the conference standings. Emmanuel's three seniors (Stephanie O'Neill, Nicole McAllister and Diana Grimaldi) will be honored prior to the start of the tri-match.