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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Jess Williamson slammed down seven kills in the opening frame on the way to a match-high 16, helping the University of Southern Maine to a 3-1 victory over the University of New England in women's volleyball action Saturday (Oct. 10) at the Harold Alfond Forum. Set scores were 25-18, 25-21, 20-25, and 25-19.

The result for the Huskies (9-12) against the Nor'easters (4-10) was the second in seven days, as USM picked up a neutral-court sweep last Saturday.

Williamson also produced a match-best 19 digs to pace Southern Maine's defensive efforts. Mo Raymond contributed 12 kills to the attack, which was guided by Megan Nilson and Nicole Schmitz with 21 and 16 assists, respectively.

Erika Sawicki equaled her season-high with 13 kills to lead UNE. Grayson Szczepaniak added 10 winners and two solo blocks, while having a hand in four others. Courtney Lambrese and Emily Rumery combined for 19 kills (10 and 9) and 16 digs, and Brittany Morrison topped the digs category for Big Blue with 11. Brooke Gibbons lofted up 33 assists in support of the offense.

There wasn't much difference between the team at the start, until an 8-0 spurt from the Huskies put their advantage at 23-14.

UNE led 12-6 in the second stanza before five unanswered USM points narrowed the gap. Soon after, a 10-3 stretch swung the cushion in favor of the visitors.

After surrendering the initial five points of the third and falling behind by nine (14-5), the Nor'easters rattled off six straight points to get back in the mix. The spread was still four (19-15) when UNE turned the table and put 10 of the ensuing 11 points on the board to secure the set.

Southern Maine had an edge for most of the fourth until a kill by Sawicki pushed the hosts in front at 18-17. That's when UNE ran out of steam and conceded nine of the last 10 plays to close the match.


Later in the day: UNE 3, Maine Maritime 0