Women’s Volleyball Blocks Southern Maine in Three

BOSTON – Suffolk women's volleyball handled Southern Maine Thursday night at Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court, sweeping the Huskies in straight sets by scores of 25-14, 25-8, and 25-14. 

THE BASICS
SCORE: Suffolk 3 | Southern Maine 0
RECORDS: Suffolk (4-6) | Southern Maine (3-7) 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• A Kathy Mo service run of five points, which included two service aces, pushed the Rams ahead 8-2 early in the first set, prompting a Huskies timeout. Suffolk built on its lead as Chloe Clement and Grace Cervenka recorded three kills each as Suffolk took the first set 25-14.
• Suffolk's momentum carried into the second set as back-to-back blocks from the pairing of Emmy Thomander and Clement propelled the Rams in front 9-1. Sam Michon chipped in with three kills and three blocks down the stretch to help close out the stanza 25-8 in favor of the Rams.
• Southern Maine found its footing in the third set as Lizzy Harbster served consecutive aces to give the Huskies a 11-9 edge. The Rams rode the hot serve of Emily Norgrove to overcome the largest deficit of the day and tallied seven straight points to retake control of the frame at 16-11. Three kills from Clement and two kills from Norgrove carried the blue-and-gold over the finish line to take the third, 25-14. 

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

• Clement led the team at the net, boasting a .276 hitting percentage for a team-best 10 kills to go along with five digs and four total blocks. Norgrove followed with seven kills on a .222 clip.
• Michon and Cervanka closed with five kills each.
• Thomander provided seven total blocks, while Michon and Clement accounted for four of their own.
• Aislinn Lanigan was a force on both ends of the court as she recorded 24 assists and eight digs.
• Mo pitched in nine digs to the defensive unit.

NOTEWORTHY

• Suffolk won its fourth straight match against the Huskies to jump ahead in the all-time series at 4-3.
• The last three meetings between the Rams and the Huskies finished in straight sets.
• The Rams are now 3-2 against Southern Maine in 3-0 decisions.
• The blue-and-gold move to 2-1 at Smith Court against Southern Maine.
• Suffolk moves to 4-1 in the series under head coach Scott Blanchard.
• Michon posted a career-best in kills (5), blocks (4), and digs (2).
• Cervenka hit at a career best .714 clip while Campbell tied her career highs in two categories (blocks and kills)
• Thomander's dominance at the net continued as she rewrote her personal best in blocks with seven.
• Clement joined the block party with a career best four blocks.
• Emma Welch matched a personal best with one block and recorded her first collegiate dig. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Rams remain at Smith Court Saturday, Sept. 20 when they welcome Rhode Island College and Worcester State for a non-conference tri-match at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.