Box Score

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. -- Host Eastern Connecticut State University held off a furious University of New England rally to take a 3-2 victory over the Nor'easters in first day's play at the 30th annual Crabtree Invitational held at Geissler Gymnasium.

The Warriors (9-10), who won the first two sets (25-23, 25-18), took the fifth and deciding frame 15-13 after UNE (11-7) had evened the match by winning the third and fourth sets by the scores of 26-24 and 24-19.

UNE senior Kristen Edwards (Laconia, N.H.) came up with her first collegiate double-double after recording 10 kills and a career-best 13 digs. She also added a pair of blocks and two service aces.

The Nor'easters also got strong performances from first-years Maria Kuehl (Middleton, N.H.) and Kirsta Adie (Tyngsboro, Mass.). Kuehl handed out 34 assists, while Adie paced the defense with 14 digs. Sophomore Paige Curran (Chelmsford, Mass.) chipped in nine kills and three blocks, and junior Abby Davis (Somerworth, N.H.) finished with seven kills and 12 digs.

UNE takes on Emmanuel College (11 a.m.) and Worcester State University (2 p.m.) tomorrow.