NEWPORT, R.I. – The Lesley University women's volleyball team had their season opener spoiled by Salve Regina University tonight, as the Seahawks defended their home court with a 3-0 victory. With the win, Salve broke its three-game losing streak and improve their record to 2-3 on the young 2014 season, while the Lynx open to 2014 campaign at 0-1.
Freshman Anni Abbruzzese (Croton on Hudson, N.Y.) led the Lynx with eight kills on the night in her collegiate debut while junior Emily Marden (Fremont, Calif.) dished out a team-best 12 assists in her first match as a Lynx. Junior Danielle McDonald (Lilitz, Pa.) dug out a match-high 15 digs on the defensive side in the loss.
Jennifer Duggan (Merrimack, N.H.) led the Seahawks offense as she finished with eight kills and added 10 digs. Taylor Violet (Tiverton, R.I.) tallied a single kill, 14 assists, and seven digs while senior captain Dianna Tauro (Melorse, Mass.) led the team in digs with 11 to go along with two assists.
Salve held a 33-24 edge in kills and finished the night with a .250 hitting-percentage. Lesley struggled swinging at the net, compiling a negative hitting percentage on the night.
The opening set was tightly played as the two teams were tied at 17-17, but the hosts rallied to score eight of the next ten points highlighted by three straight aces from senior Tara Kuck (Huntington, N.Y.) as the Seahawks grabbed the 25-19 victory.
The second set was all Seahawks as they jumped out to a commanding 12-1 lead behind the service of Violet who registered two aces during the streak. The hosts would not look back in the set as they rolled to the 25-12 win.
The third and final set was back-and-forth as the score was tied eight times and the teams exchanged the lead on five separate occasions. Tied at 22-22, the Seahawks took advantage of consecutive errors from the Lynx before Samantha Higgins (Coventry, R.I.) slammed home the match-winning kill on a feed from Samantha Salwa (Ellington, Conn.).
The Lynx return to action on Tuesday, September 9th when they welcome Pine Manor College in a non-conference match in what will be their home opener. First serve is set for 8:00p.