WESTFIELD, MASS. – Westfield State University defeated the Worcester State Lancers, 3-2, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) matchup on Wednesday evening at the Woodward Center.

Worcester State had an eight point run in the start of first set to lead the Owls 16-9. After another six point run at the end of the set, Worcester State's sophomore setter Alexandra Nolan (Melrose, Mass.) served an ace to win, 25-11, over the Owls in set one.

After a competitive start to the second set, Westfield State was able to go on a five point run to lead 21-12 over the Lancers. Owls' senior middle hitter Jen Green (Charlton, Mass.), sophomore middle hitter Brianna Starkey (Rockland, Mass.) and freshman outside hitter Natasha Belardo (Springfield, Mass.) tallied a combined ten kills in the set to lead the Owls to a 25-16 win.

In set three, the Owls and Lancers went back and forth with small leads from each team. A kill from freshman middle hitter/blocker Sarah Powers (Hopkinton, Mass.) was enough to lead 24-20 over the Owls. A bad set from Westfield State sealed the 25-23 Lancers' win in set three.

Although set four was another back and forth match between both schools, Westfield State was able to defeat the Lancers in the fourth set, 25-22.

In set five, the Owls and Lancers were tied up at 7-7. After three strong kills from Green towards the end of the set, Westfield State was able to secure the win at 15-13, defeating Worcester State, 3-2.

Starkey finished with 14 kills, junior setter Brigid Murray racked up 43 assists and sophomore libero Lizzie Taylor added 30 digs for the Owls.

Worcester State's sophomore outside hitter Caleigh Davis (Acushnet, Mass.) hammered 14 kills and 19 digs while Nolan added 27 assists for the Lancers.

Westfield State improves to 10-11 on the season and 3-1 in conference play. The Owls will host Western New England on Thursday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Woodward Center.

Worcester State is now 9-12 on the season and 1-2 in the MASCAC. The Lancers will travel to Rhode Island College on October 13th for a 6:00 p.m. match.

Release Courtesy of Westfield State Sports Information