Statistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Katie Flynn dialed up a career-best 21 kills as the University of New England outlasted Western New England University by a 3-2 final (25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-10) to open up the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) women's volleyball slate on Tuesday night (Sep. 24) at the AHL Center.

Winners of eight straight, the Nor'easters now stand at 10-1 overall (1-0 CCC), continuing the best start in over 23 seasons. The Golden Bears slip to 6-9 on the year (0-1 CCC).

Flynn benefited from the 48 assists of Sydney Christiansen, and both notched 15 digs. Stephanie Erickson and Micaela McNamara added 11 and eight winners for UNE, respectively, and Paige Simoneau went for 10 kills and 16 digs. Katie Marsh picked up 23 digs to lead the defensive effort.

The Nor'easters had the edge for most of the 1st set, and were up by as many as eight before hanging on down the stretch for a Flynn kill to end it. WNEU limited the visitors to just three brief moments with the advantage in the 2nd (10-9, 11-10, 12-11), and after 10 ties finally drew even on the board.

Things went back-and-forth in the 3rd -- never separated by more than three -- until UNE struck for four points to sneak ahead, 23-22. A service error leveled the score, but Flynn put down a pair of kills to seal the session. The Nor'easters held a 19-15 cushion in the 4th, but three consecutive points brought the Golden Bears back, and another three put the hosts over the top.

UNE raced out to an 8-1 margin in the deciding frame, however the 5th soon became level at 8-all and 9-all. A kill from Flynn and block by Erickson reestablished the Nor'easters in front, before a winner by Molly Camelo and an Erickson/Camelo block made it 13-9 and positioned UNE to wrap things up.

Cassandra Holmes guided Western New England with 16 kills and a hand in five blocks. Ashley Matthews contributed 13 kills and 24 digs. Caitlyn Sibiskie totaled 40 assists and Hailey McDonnell racked up 29 digs.

The Nor'easters are back on their home court Saturday (1 p.m.) to take on Gordon College.