Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Jess Williamson racked up 21 kills to help the University of Southern Maine overcome the University of New England, 3-2 (25-13, 16-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-13), in women's volleyball action Saturday (Oct. 7) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Huskies allowed an average of 14 points to the Nor'easters in a sweep during the opening weekend of the year, and, early on, looked to be on track for more of the same after tallying the initial 11 points of the match en route to the 1st set.

USM's strong start carried over into the 2nd, but a 9-3 advantage quickly disappeared as UNE rattled off an 11-1 spurt. Southern Maine countered with six of the next seven to slip in front by one (16-15), only to see the Nor'easters chalk up 10 in-a-row to square the match.

UNE utilized a 7-1 stretch midway through the 3rd to reverse a two-point deficit for good (17-13). The Huskies, however, began 6-0 in the 4th and turned in a 9-1 run later in the frame on the way to forcing a deciding set.

Southern Maine never trailed in the 5th, but a six points in a span of seven by the Nor'easters knotted things up at 13-all. The visitors knocked down winners on the next two plays, though, to seal the result.

Offensively for the Huskies (14-5), Williamson received support from Kylee Austin and Faolain Harrington with 10 kills apiece. Nicole Schmitz set-up 37 assists and had three solo blocks, while Mo Raymond and Harrington accounted for five and four service aces, respectively. Williamson's rotation to the back line netted her a double-double with 12 digs, just shy of the team-high of 14 by both Raymond and Mariah Garcia.

Rene Roggenbuck led the Nor'easters (7-11) with 14 kills and a .464 attacking percentage. Micaela McNamara hit at a .500 clip to post 13 kills, while Molly Camelo added 11 and Bekah Mather contributed nine more. A combined 45 assists were supplied by Kristen Falcinelli and Sydney Christiansen (25 and 20). Katie Marsh had a match-best 15 digs and four aces.


Later in the day: UNE 3, Maine Maritime 2