HENNIKER, N.H. – Junior Drew Johnson (Pismo Beach, Cali./Brewer) had a game-leading 12 kills for the University of Southern Maine Huskies in a 3-1 loss to the New England College Pilgrims on Tuesday night. Freshman Macie Ahmer (Lake Villa, Ill./Grayslake North) recorded 30 assists to lead all players.
 
The Records:
Southern Maine: 3-9
New England College: 5-6
 
Series History:
Tonight's match marked the fifth meeting between Southern Maine and New England College. The Pilgrims lead the series 4-1 and have won the last four matches.
 
How It Happened:

• New England College won the first set 25-21 and led all the way throughout the set. The Huskies had a late 7-0 run to cut the lead to 24-21 before a service error gave the Pilgrims the win.
• Southern Maine evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-20 win in the second set. A 6-0 run turned a 6-4 NEC advantage to a 10-6 lead for the Huskies. Johnson had two kills during the run. Sophomore Anyelis Hernandez (Lawrence, Mass.) had four kills in the set.
• The third set also ended with a score of 25-20 with the Pilgrims winning to go up 2-1. NEC pulled away with a 4-0 run to break a 14-14 tie. The Pilgrims had six aces in the frame.
• The Pilgrims took the fourth set 25-23.

 
Inside The Stats:

• Both sides had 11 aces in the game. Ahmer and Alexandra Seijas each had four to lead their respective teams.
• The Huskies had a slight 40-38 lead in kills. Savannah Pilialoha led the Pilgrims with 11.
• Hernandez finished the game with eight kills.
• Kristina Cardello led all players in digs with 23. Fifth-year senior Sierra Castonguay (Nottingham, N.H./Dover) led the Huskies with 16.
• Ahmer and sophomore Chloe Whittaker (Biddeford, Maine) both had double-digit digs for the first time in their careers with 15 and 10.

 
Up Next:
The Huskies will travel to Eastern Connecticut State for a tri-match on Saturday. The 12:00 pm match against ECSU will be the first Little East Conference action of the season for the Huskies. The Huskies will then face Maritime College at 2:00 pm.