WVB: Lasell falls to Southern Maine in non-conference match

NEWTON, Mass. –  Freshman Joie Hared (South Salem, N.Y.) smashed 14 kills and made 12 digs Tuesday evening as the University of Southern Maine defeated Lasell University, 3-1, in non-conference women's volleyball action at the Lasell Athletic Center.

The Lasers captured the first set, 25-20, but the Huskies came back to take the next three, 25-23, 25-15, and 25-23. USM evens its record at 13-13 overall while Lasell drops to 7-18.

Sophomore Kiana Perez Diaz (Juncos, P.R.) led all hitters with 16 kills for the hosts, and senior Amanda DiLeonardo (West Haven, Conn.) contributed a double-double with 10 kills and 16 digs. Sophomores Meg Roberts (Newington, Conn.) and Corina Lombardi (York, Maine) added six winners each for Lasell, and freshman Karissa Gaughan (Granby, Conn.) matched DiLeonardo with a team-high 16 digs. Sophomore setter Jess Langan (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) finished with 31 assists.

Senior Megan Gettings (Bristol, Conn.) added to the Husky effort with nine kills and 15 digs. Sophomore Sophie Lindsay (Pasadena, Calif.) was good for 23 assists and a team-high 18 digs, and junior Lauren Delissio (Hebron, Conn.) chipped in with 14 digs.

Lasell ran off five straight points in the middle of the first set to turn a 14-12 deficit into a 17-14 lead. The Lasers never relinquished the lead and held on for a 25-20 victory. The Huskies jumped out to an 8-1 lead to start the second set, and extended the margin to 20-11. Lasell roared back with eight straight points on the serving of Perez Diaz to cut the margin to one at 20-19, but USM held on for a 25-23 decision to even up the match.

Southern Maine took an early lead in the third set and maintained a 4-5 point lead throughout before closing out a 25-15 verdict. Lasell led the majority of the fourth set, but the Huskies rallied late, recording seven of the final nine points to clinch the set and the match.

Lasell gets right back into action on Wednesday, October 23, hosting Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponent Anna Maria College at 7:30 p.m. on Senior Night at the Athletic Center. USM plays again on Thursday, October 24, with a non-conference clash at Bates College at 7 p.m.

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