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            WATERVILLE, Maine -- Sophomore outside hitter Emily Varni (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Wind-ward School) had nine kills, 12 digs and five service aces to lead the Colby College Mules to a convincing, 3-0 win over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in the first match of the Colby College Invitational Friday night at Wadsworth Gymnasium.

            The Mules defeated the Huskies, 25-10, 25-16, 25-14, to earn the victory in their season opening match.  The loss was the sixth straight for Southern Maine in as many matches.

            Senior middle blocker Heather Arvidson (Andover, Mass.) and junior outside hitter Caitlin Burchill (Walpole, Mass./Ursuline Academy) each chipped in with nine kills for the Mules, while freshman setter Ellie Linden (Andover, Conn./RHAM) had a match-high 11 assists.

            Southern Maine junior outside hitter Hallie Noah (Anchorage, Alaska) paced the Huskies with four kills, five assists and two solo blocks.  Senior outside hitter Shannon Shuttle (New Ipswich, N.H./Mascenic Regional) added three kills, four assists and one dig.

            Southern Maine continues its contests at the Colby College Invitational on Saturday (11:00 a.m.) against the University of Maine Farmington.  Colby College will face Husson University on Saturday (11:00 a.m.).

At Waterville, Maine            1            2            3            Final

Southern Maine (0-6)            10            16            15            0

Colby (1-0)            25            25            25            3