Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sydney Williams and Ally Hadley combined for 36.5 points and 30 digs to help lead Maine Maritime Academy over the University of New England, 3-1 (25-19, 15-25, 33-31, 25-19), in the first action the new women's volleyball season on Friday night (Aug. 29) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

After the Nor'easters finished the 2nd frame on a 19-6 run to level the contest at one set apiece, the squads battled through 15 lead-changes and six ties in the 3rd before the Mariners eked out a 33-31 decision to move back in front. The 4th was also neck and neck until a 7-1 stretch by the visitors made it 19-14. UNE closed to within one (20-19), but couldn't complete the rally.

Hadley shared the match-high of 16 kills, and her 16 digs were third-best for the Mariners, who received 18 from Hunnie Zuber-Stephens and 17 more out of Hannah Tate. Zuber-Stephens also notched 37 assists and four aces. Williams had a hand in four blocks, while Ila Smith put down a pair of solo rejections.

Ellijah Hanley had 16 kills to pace UNE, including eight to match Williams down the stretch in the 3rd. Hannah Nowell dialed up six of her 10 kills in the 2nd-set win, and racked up a match-best 23 digs. Hayley Shult joined those with a double-double on the evening, totaling 41 assists and 15 digs. Kelsey Bradshaw saved another 13 balls along the back row, Kailyn Reilly factored in four blocks, and Kendall Gallaugher was responsible for four service aces.

The Nor'easters collected seven more kills than MMA in the match, but were hampered by an additional 11 miscues

On Saturday, UNE will start the day against the University of Southern Maine (10 a.m.) and wrap it up versus Saint Joseph's College (4 p.m.).