Southern Maine Sweeps Mass. Maritime and Curry

            BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. -- The undefeated University of Southern Maine women's volleyball team extended its season-opening winning streak to five on Saturday sweeping Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Curry College in a non-conference tri-match played at MMA's Clean Harbors Athletic Center.

            The Huskies (5-0) dispatch with the host Buccaneers (0-3) in the opening match in three sets, 25-8, 25-3 and 25-7.  After the break, the Huskies came back to defeat to the Colonels in straight sets, 25-19, 25-16 and 25-14.  The Colonels downed the Buccaneers in the final match 25-20, 25-20, 25-20.

            First-year outside hitters Jessica Williamson (Goffstown, N.H.) and Monica Raymond (Sanbornton, N.H./Winnisquam) combined for 23 kills and 14 digs in the opening match against MMA.  Williamson led the attack with 13 kills and had 10 digs while Raymond complemented Williamson with 10 kills and four digs.  Sophomore setter Megan Nilson (Granby, Conn.) ran the offense with 24 assists, and junior libero Demi Ruder (Grand Junction, Colo.) had 17 digs.  Sophomore Karina Zellou (Marshfield, Maine) served up nine aces.

            Against Curry, Williamson came up with 21 kills and 14 digs as the Huskies prevailed in three straight.  Raymond added eight kills, and junior Renee Trottier (Biddeford, Maine) chipped in with seven kills.  Nilson dished out 35 assists and had 10 digs.  Ruder also contributed 10 digs.

            Southern Maine returns to the court tomorrow (11:00 a.m.) hosting a non-conference tri-match at the Warren Hill Gymnasium against the University of Maine Presque Isle and Castleton State College. 

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