The win is the third straight for Southern Maine and improves its overall record to 10-2.  The Huskies' ten wins are their most since the 2004 season when USM posted a record of 15-16.  Regis suffers its sixth consecutive loss to drop to 4-11 overall.

In a back and forth fifth game, Southern Maine trailed Regis 12-10.   However, the Huskies capitalized on a Pride attack error and a kill by Rubico to pull even at 12-12.  Another error from the Regis side and another kill from Rubico gave the Huskies' an upper hand at 14-12.  Rubico's final kill of the match was a neatly played ball that snuck in between the Pride's defense in the middle of the court.  The Pride pulled to within 14-13 on the next play with a kill from junior Marilia Ramos (Chimbote, Peru/Boyd Anderson), but a service error on their next play left the Huskies victories 15-13.

Rubico led USM with 15 kills, four service aces and six digs. Freshman Amanda Keppel (Springfield, Pa./Merion Mercy) added eight kills, three aces and 20 digs, while Kelsey Abramson (Deerfield, Mass./Frontier Regional) added five kills, two aces and four blocks.  Sophomore Demi Ruder (Clifton, Colo./Central) posted her second consecutive match with at least 20 digs, nabbing 25 to pace the Huskies defensive effort.  Freshman Megan Nilson (Granby, Conn.) had a solid game with 18 assists, four aces and 10 digs.

Senior Vanessa Noesi (Puerta Plata, D.R./Greater Lawrence Tech) had 11 kills to lead Regis.  Junior Sam Bliss (Framingham, Mass.) added nine kills and 13 digs, while freshman Kristina Del Ray (Miami, Fla./Our Lady of Lourdes Academy) also chipped in with nine kills.

Southern Maine hosts Eastern Connecticut and Maine Maritime Academy on Saturday (12:00 p.m.).  The Huskies' match with Eastern Connecticut will be their Little East Conference opener.  Regis returns to action on Saturday (11:00 a.m.) at a tri-match hosted by Wentworth including Massachusetts Maritime. 

–cac–