NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Brandeis University volleyball team opened their tri-match at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a 3-1 win over Keene State College, but the Judges were unable to hold of the hosts, who rallied for a 3-2 win.
Against Keene State, after dropping the first set, 25-22, the Judges rallied to win three in a row, 25-19, 25-16, 25-12. Sophomore outside hitter Paige Blasco (Greeley, Colo.) led the Judges with 14 kills and a .268 hitting percentage. She added nine digs and a pair of service aces. Senior All-American Lorraine Wingenbach (Buffalo, N.Y.) recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 12 digs. Wingenbach swung for a .281 percentage and contributed three aces. Sophomore middle blocker Nicole Smith (Marietta, Ga.) was a force at the net with six blocks to go with her six kills and senior Violette Ruggiero (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) had 34 assists and six digs.
Against Coast Guard, Brandeis jumped out to a 2-1 lead, 17-25, 25-13, 25-9, but they were unable to put the Bears away. USCGA won the fourth set, 25-21, and rallied from down 14-13 to win the decisive set, 17-15. Blasco had 16 kills and nine digs in the losing effort, while Wingenbach registered another double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs. Smith also added 13 kills.
The Judges are next in action when they host the second UAA round robin next weekend. Coach Michelle Kim's squad will take on Washington University, Carnegie Mellon, Rochester and Case in Auerbach Arena and Shapiro Gymnasium.