WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's volleyball team dropped a straight-sets decision Saturday afternoon in non-conference action at John P. Brissette Court. Set scores were 25-13, 25-14, 25-17.
With the defeat, Worcester State falls to 1-3, while the Leopards improve to 2-4.
Worcester State got out to a strong start in set one, opening up a 6-1 lead before Wentworth called the match's first timeout. The Leopards emerged from the breather looking like a different team, winning 10 of the next 12 points to take an 11-8 lead before eventually cruising to a 25-13 set win. Wentworth's Mary Zlotosch (Durham, N.H.) led all players in the set with five kills, while senior Claire Quick (Mission Viejo, Calif.) recorded nine digs in the opening set alone. Sophomore Natalie Gillis (Ashland, Mass.) led Worcester State with a pair of kills in the set, but the Lancers struggled overall with a hitting percentage of -.143.
It appeared the Lancers had settled back in midway through the second set, but with the Leopards clinging to a 12-11 lead, the visitors would go on a 9-1 run to all but put the set out of reach. Quick and middle hitter Samantha Lassiter (Rogers, Ark.) each led the way with four kills in the set that put Wentworth on the verge of the sweep. Worcester State again struggled offensively in the set, as Wentworth's strong defense proved impenetrable. Senior Stephanie Chapin (Hampden, Mass.) had two of Worcester State's six kills in the set, but the team hit just .031 in the set.
The Lancers were slightly sharper offensively in the final set, but Wentworth's .500 attack percentage proved too much to overcome as the Leopards closed out the victory.
Gillis led Worcester State in the defeat with five kills. Libero Brooke Lamothe (Tewksbury, Mass.) was the defensive leader for the hosts with nine digs. Zlotosch's 10 kills was the match-high, while Quick and senior Lexie Cambray (Bedford, N.H.) each picked up 15 digs to lead all players.
Worcester State will be back in action on Thursday night as they head to Lasell University for a 7 p.m. first serve. Wentworth's next opponent is also the Lasers, who they will host in their home opener on Tuesday.
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