Worcester, MA --- Wentworth sophomore Michelle Hobbs (Northwood, NH) recorded totals of eight kills and 14 digs to help the Leopards defeat Worcester State, 3-2, in non conference women's volleyball action this evening at the Lancer Gym. Both squads now have identical 2-3 records on the season.
After the Leopards won the first set, 25-16, Worcester State faced near elimination in the second set as they were down 19-24 before they scored seven consecutive points to earn the 26-24 triumph.
Worcester State was sparked by a set-saving dive on the floor by sophomore Vicki O'Brien (Canton, MA) on a ball that rolled off of her fingertips to give the Blue and Gold a chance to coming-from-behind.
The two teams would then trade sets with WSU winning the third, 25-18, and Wentworth being victorious in the fourth, 25-16, to force a deciding fifth frame. Following a trio of lead changes and numerous ties, the Leopards knotted the game up 10-10 and went on a 5-2 run to close out the match for the 15-12 win.
Junior Julie Rahilly (Nashua, NH/South) also led the visitors with 17 digs and five service aces as first-year Sam Curran (Quincy, MA) put up 15 digs. Third-year Erica Wright (W. Hartford, CT) rounded out standouts for the Leopards by rejecting a game-best five solo blocks.
The Lancers were propelled by junior Becky Lebel's (Millbury, MA) match-high 11 kills while senior Joanne Grenier (Orange, MA) handed out a season-best 32 assists. O'Brien registered 14 digs and second-year Megan Brown(Dartmouth, MA) chipped in with seven kills
Worcester State will play their next match against Clark in the opening game of the Worcester City Tournament on Saturday at 11 AM. The consolation game will be at 1 o'clock and the championship starts at 3 PM.
Wentworth travels to the St. Joseph's (Maine) Autumn Invitational as they take on the hosting Monks in the opener at 6 PM and Lyndon State at 8.