Volleyball Upends MCLA, 3-0

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The MCLA Trailblazers dropped a key MASCAC match to Bridgewater State by a score of 3-0 on Monday afternoon at the Amsler Center in North Adams.

Game two was a pivotal turning point for both teams, after a close affair in game one. The Trailblazers dropped a 25-19 decision in game one, but jumped all over the Bears to begin game two. MCLA built a 17-5 lead in game two and seemed in complete control.

Bridgewater, however, began to battle back and MCLA couldn't stem the tide.  The Bears went on a 15-3 run to tie the score at 20 when MCLA called timeout. The timeout appeared to give the Trailblazers a boost as they ran off the next three points to regain the lead, 23-20. Behind the outstanding play of junior middle hitter Shelly DePina (New Bedford, Mass.), Bridgewater would forge another comeback and scored the next five points to steal the game.

The Bears would cap off the match by pulling away midway through game three for the 25-15 victory. 

DePina was the Bears star hitter on the day as she notched a match-high 11 kills to go along with four digs, three solo blocks and three assists.  Freshman setter Melanie Appleman (Hyannis, Mass.) notched 26 assists, while senior outside hitter Kristina Campbell (Taunton, Mass.) added seven kills, three solo blocks and three aces.

Kayla Bromback led MCLA with 6 kills on the afternoon, while senior Christina Kidd had 4 kills and 8 digs. Amanda Lane led MCLA with 14 digs.

The Trailblazers fall to 9-8 on the season and 1-2 in the MASCAC, while Bridgewater improves to 7-8 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

MCLA will travel to Elms on Thursday at 7:00 PM. The Bears will host Salve Regina Friday night at 6:00 PM.