Statistics
David Bates Photo Gallery

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Trailing 2-0 after the opening two sets, the University of New England women's volleyball team rallied for a thrilling 3-2 victory (16- 25, 21-25, 25-13, 25-20, 17-15) over the University of Southern Maine in the opening match of Day 2 action at the Maine Coast Classic hosted by UNE at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters (1-1) got off to a rocky start before a convincing third-set win and a 25-20 decision in the fourth forced a fifth and deciding frame.

Leading 12-10 in the final set, UNE saw its advantage evaporate, as the Huskies reeled off three consecutive points to go on top, 13-12. A kill from Chloe Miracle tied the score at 13 before Haylie Bidegain got USM within one point of victory (14-13). Elijah Hanley then accounted for three of the ensuing four points to save the Nor'easters and give them a 16-15 lead, which set up Hayley Shult for the match-winning service ace.

Miracle and Hannah Nowell combined for 37 kills to power the Nor'easters' attack. Nowell (19 kills) figured in three blocks to lead all players with 20.5 points, while Miracle accounted for 18 kills on a .286 hitting percentage. Hanley's big fifth set aided her in finishing with 13 kills. Shult dished out 35 assists for UNE, and Kelsey Bradshaw led all players with 21 digs.

Ella Koehler had 12 kills and Bidegain 10 to pace the Huskies (0-2). Kylee Eubanks-Hemme chipped in seven kills and a match-high four service aces.