Oct. 15, 2011

Box Score

Freshman Hannah Rey (San Diego, Calif.) had a career-best 18 kills and 28 digs, but it wasn't enough as UMass Lowell volleyball fell at Pace University on Saturday afternoon.

UMass Lowell drops to 9-7 on the season and 5-4 in Northeast-10 play. It marked the first time the club has lost three consecutive matches since 2008. Pace earned its fourth straight win, improving to 15-6 overall and 6-2 in conference action.

The River Hawks stumbled out of the gate, falling behind 1-6 in the opening set and ultimately dropping a 15-25 decision. UMass Lowell's offense struggled to find its rhythm, landing a .093 attack percentage with five errors. Rey was among one of the few with a strong start, recording two kills and eight digs.

The attitude changed in the second set as the River Hawks battled Pace for every point in a back-and-forth exchange. Trailing at 15-16, UMass Lowell reeled off 10 of the next 11 points to take a commanding lead and eventually secure a 25-20 win. Rey put the offense on her back, muscling her way to 7 kills and 9 digs.

The Setters fought back in the third set as the River Hawks were unable to stop their opponent's streaky offense. Pace put on three small runs to hold the lead as UMass Lowell was narrowly edged, 24-26

With momentum on their side, the Setters ran away with the final set, 12-25. Pace landed 13 kills and was errorless for a .583 attack percentage.

Despite the loss, several River Hawks had strong afternoons. Rey led the way with career-highs of 18 kills and 28 digs. Classmate Ella Merrill (Bermuda Dunes, Calif.) also had a double-double, recording 10 kills and 14 digs, while senior Lea Freeman (Methuen, Mass.) scored 11 kills.

Sophomore libero Carolyn Eddy (Dracut, Mass.) worked hard defensively, digging 17 balls. In addition, junior setter Kristina Wiltjer (Temecula, Calif.) totaled 33 assists and 16 digs.

The Setters were led by outside hitter Nora Rugova (Mt. Kisco, N.Y.) who tallied 17 kills and 16 digs.

UMass Lowell will look to get back in the win column on Thursday as it hosts Assumption in the Costello Gym at 7 p.m.