Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine – The University of New England volleyball team's bid to force a fourth set was thwarted by Endicott, which defeated the Nor'easters, 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-19), in the Conference of New England opener on Wednesday night at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.
 
The Gulls (7-5, 1-0 CNE) were powered by Hadley Helenbrook, who racked up 15 kills in addition to two total blocks. Ava Grace Dresback, another Endicott standout, went for 14 kills on just 22 swings (.591), and added six digs and an ace. Hannah Maguire totaled 36 assists, along with nine digs and five aces, leading Endicott in each of those categories.
 
Viktoria Pavlyuk led the Nor'easters (9-3, 0-1 CNE) with nine kills while hitting .421. Reigning CNE Libero of the Week Kelsey Bradshaw had 10 digs, and Kassidy Bradshaw amassed 18 assists.
 
UNE held an early 9-8 advantage in the opening game, but wouldn't lead again during the first set. The Gulls used a 10-2 run to eventually claim a 19-11 lead. A kill by Kassidy Bradshaw helped UNE battle back while facing set point, but Stephanie Moreau's winner on the ensuing point sealed the opening set in favor of the visitors.
 
Trailing 11-9 in the second set, the Gulls embarked on an 8-0 run to take a commanding 17-11 lead. The Nor'easters climbed within as little as two later in the set, thanks in part to a couple Pavlyuk kills, but Megan Murphy put down a crucial kill for the Gulls to escape set two.
 
Facing a 2-0 deficit, UNE earned the first four points of the third set, but would soon trail 5-4 after another Endicott run, this time capped off by back-to-back Helenbrook kills. The two sides traded points with UNE leading by as many as two, and later in the set the Nor'easters found themselves on top, 17-16. That lead was quickly undone by Endicott's 8-1 run. Elijah Hanley kept UNE afloat at match point with a kill, but Dresback sealed the Gulls' victory on the following point.
 
UNE returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 28 with Westfield State (1 p.m.) and Bates (5 p.m.) visiting Coach Beaudry's Court. Saturday's two opponents will square off in a neutral-site match at 3 p.m.