WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's volleyball team nabbed its first win of the season Tuesday evening, defeating Rhode Island College 3-0 in non-conference action at John P. Brissette Court. Set scores were 30-28, 25-23, 25-15.

With the victory, Worcester State improves to 1-2 on the year, while Rhode Island College drops to 0-1.

The opening set saw 12 tie scores and seven lead changes, but ultimately it was Worcester State that came out on top in a 30-28 barn burner. Both teams struggled offensively in the set, combining for 17 kills up against 23 attack errors. Sophomores Natalie Gillis (Ashland, Mass.) and Leelle Tyler (Longmeadow, Mass.) each recorded a pair of kills to lead the Lancers in the opening set.

The second set was all Anchorwomen at the outset, and appeared to be headed to a tied 1-1 score after Rhode Island College opened on an 11-0 run. After a series of short runs, the Lancers would quickly tie it up at 15-15, and go ahead 16-15 on a service ace from freshman Emily Laventure (Cranston, R.I.). Moments later, ahead 24-23, Worcester State closed out the set and took a 2-0 lead on a set-clinching kill by Gillis.

The third set was close at the start, before Worcester State completely took control to close out the match. Capped by three consecutive Selayna Bathurst (South Deerfield, Mass.) service aces, the Lancers finished the match on a 12-0 run to secure their first victory of the season. 

Senior middle Stephanie Chapin (Hampden, Mass.) led all players in the match with 10 kills, with six coming in the third set on eight attack attempts. Gillis finished the evening with six kills of her own, while Tyler recorded five kills, five digs, and five service aces. Jenaeya Evans (Marietta, Ga.) led the way for the Anchorwomen, recorded a team-high seven kills.

Worcester State will return to action on Saturday when they face Wentworth at home. First serve from Brissette Court is scheduled for 12 p.m.

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