Volleyball Storms Past Keene State in Straight Sets

BOSTON – Suffolk volleyball pushed it win streak to four as it recorded the program's first win over Keene State, a 3-0 sweep of the Owls, Saturday morning at Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court.  

THE BASICS
SCORE: Suffolk 3 | Keene State 0
RECORDS: Suffolk (5-5) | Keene State (3-6)  

HOW IT HAPPENED
Suffolk fell behind early as Keene State scored the first points of the opening set. The Rams rallied and ran off seven straight points to take the advantage. The score would go on to level five times with the last at 14-all.  

From there, the Owls took control and put the host in a two-point hole that lasted until 22-20. Once again the blue-and-gold battled back. Out of their own time, the Rams outscored the visitors, 5-1, to seal up the set, 25-23. 

The second set was all Suffolk as an early 8-1 advantage blossomed into a 17-6 lead that forced Keene into its second timeout of the stanza. The Owls would go on to tack on just two more points the rest of the way, while the Rams coasted to the 25-8 victory. 

Suffolk started the third set hot with a 7-1 cushion turning into a 15-8 margin at the midway point. The playing field balanced with more back-and-forth play before the Rams strung four consecutive points together to go up comfortably, 22-10. Keene used its final timeout of the set, but it the huddle could not help the Owls as the host poured in the final three points out of the break to secure the sweep.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

• Suffolk's attack was well-balanced with eight different players recording a kill. 
• Jessica Weber led the way with eight kills on a .400 attack percentage to go along with two blocks. 
• Jasmine James had six kills with a .444 hitting clip. 
• McKenna Keowen pitched in five kills, seven digs, three aces and one assist. 
• Jayla Martinez had an all-around day with four kills, 12 handouts, two digs and two aces. 
• Tatum Kalt was accurate from the service line with five kills to lead Suffolk's 14. The junior added five digs and two helpers. 
• Morgan Kelsey provided 10 digs, three aces and four assists.  

NOTEWORTHY

• Suffolk defeated Keene State for the first time in the year-by-year record books, which dates back to 2003. 
• The Rams moved to 1-2 against the Owls since 2003. 
• Every match between Suffolk and Keene State has been decided in straight sets. 
• Suffolk hosted Keene State for the first time. 
• The Rams moved to 1-1 against the Owls under Scott Blanchard's guidance. 
• Martinez notched a career-high four kills. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk concludes its home tri-match this afternoon against Worcester State. First serve between the Rams and Lancers is scheduled for 3 p.m.