WILLIMANTIC, Conn. -- The University of New England opened up women's volleyball action on Saturday (Oct. 4) with a 3-1 win over Framingham State University before falling to Eastern Connecticut State University (3-0) and Wheaton College (3-0), as ECSU hosted the 34th Annual Crabtree Classic at Geissler Gymnasium.

Big Blue (5-9) topped the Rams (13-5) with set scores of 25-20, 25-19, 20-25, and 25-20. Against the host Warriors (9-9), the Nor'easters (5-10) dropped straight sets by scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 28-26. Versus the Lyons (12-8), UNE (5-11) came out on the wrong side of set scores 25-23, 25-17, and 25-21.

At the end of the day, Wheaton won all three of its matches, Eastern Connecticut took a pair, and Framingham State emerged winless.

Senior Leah Janelle was named to the All-Tournament Team for her efforts.

UNE 3, FSU 1 Box Score

Janelle matched her career-high for kills (16) from earlier in the week to pace the Nor'easters. First-year Courtney Lambrese added 15.5 points, on eight kills, three aces, three solo blocks, and three shared blocks. Sophomore Grayson Szczepaniak also had eight kills and four blocks assists. In addition to seven kills, senior Rachel McGahie totaled 11 digs, and sophomore Nikki Mathewson had a match-best 18 digs. First-year Brooke Gibbons dialed up 28 assists.

ECSU 3, UNE 0 Box Score

Janelle recorded team highs of nine kills and nine digs. Szczepaniak had eight kills to her credit, and was part of five blocks, just like sophomore Erika Sawicki. Gibbons totaled 16 assists.

WC 3, UNE 0 Box Score

Szczepaniak, McGahie, and Sawicki each registered six kills. Gibbons notched 14 assists. Mathewson posted 12 digs.

UNE heads to Saint Joseph's College on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.) for its next match.


(Revised 10/5/14 6:00 p.m.)