Southern Maine Falls to Rhode Island College 3-1

            GORHAM, Maine -- The Rhode Island College Anchorwomen rallied from a one-set deficit to secure a berth in the upcoming Little East Conference volleyball tournament by defeating the University of Southern Maine Huskies 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23) Saturday afternoon on Senior Day at the Warren Hill Gymnasium.

            The win snapped a four-match losing streak for the Anchorwomen, and improved their record to 17-11 overall and 3-4 in the conference.  The Huskies, who needed to defeat the Anchorwomen to have a shot at a tournament berth, finish the season 11-19 overall and 1-6 in conference play.

            Prior to the match, the Huskies recognized their two departing seniors - defensive specialist Bridget Burns (Warrenville, Ill./Wheaton Warrenville South) and libero Demi Ruder (Grand Junction, Colo.).

            Senior Kelsey Lace (Glendale, R.I./Mt. St. Charles) had a big match for RIC knocking down 16 kills, digging up 11 balls, serving six aces and picking up three block assists.  Senior Michelle Malboeuf (Cumberland, R.I.) added 15 kills and seven digs, and junior Sierra Smith (Longmont, Colo./Ponaganset) contributed 13 kills.  Sophomore setter Abigayl White (Coventry, R.I.) orchestrated the offense passing out 49 assists.  Junior Jillian Ward (Coventry, R.I.) shared the team lead for digs with Lace digging up 11 balls.  Ward also had seven kills.

            Sophomore outside hitter Jess Williamson (Goffstown, N.H.) posted another double-double for USM with a match-high 21 kills and 13 digs.  Classmates Mo Raymond (Sanbornton, N.H./Winnisquam) and Robbi Termentozzi (Littleton, Colo./Grand Junction) added 11 and nine kills respectively.  Ruder had 16 digs on the back line.  Junior Megan Nilson (Granby, Conn.) and rookie Nicole Schmitz (St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham) combined for 48 assists.

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