Volleyball Falls to Westfield, 3-1

WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State Owls volleyball team picked up a key conference victory over Bridgewater State, 3-1, (25-17, 13-25, 25-18, 25-14) in the Woodward Center on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The Owl offense was paced by Brigid Murray's (Norfolk, Mass.) 26 assists. The senior setter also pitched in ten digs and tied a season-high with four kills.

After trading the first two sets, the Owls extended a 14-13 lead halfway through the third with a 6-1 run bookended by a Natasha Belardo (Springfield, Mass.) kill and ace.

Brianna Starkey (Rockland, Mass.) was the only Owl to reach double digit kills (10) and Jess Haradon (Mansfield, Mass.) delivered four of the eight Westfield service aces.

Bridgewater State's Kayla Baril (Seekonk, Mass.) posted an impressive double-double with 11 kills and 22 digs, while Picabo Miskiv (Centerville, Mass.) dished out a match-high 30 assists and recorded a team-best three aces.

Shannon Grindle (Halifax, Mass.) was a bear at the net for the visitors with a solo block and five block assists. Sydney Rice (Medway, Mass.) checked in with eight kills, an ace and a solo block. Rice also posted a team-high .353 hitting percentage.

Lizzie Taylor (Medfield, Mass.) and Belardo picked up 24 and 15 digs, respectively, for the Owls.

The victory brings Westfield's conference record to 1-1 and 4-8 overall. Bridgewater falls to 2-11 on the season and 1-1 in the MASCAC.

Both teams return to MASCAC action on Wednesday, Sept. 27, Westfield travels to Fitchburg for a 7:00 p.m. start and Bridgewater hosts Mass. Maritime at 6:00 p.m.