Oct. 25, 2011

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UMass Lowell volleyball looks to sweep rival Merrimack College for the third time this season on Tuesday night.

The River Hawks previously knocked off the Warriors on Sept. 10th and 28th, both in three sets.

Leading the offense for UMass Lowell this season has been senior Lea Freeman (Methuen, Mass.). The middle-blocker ranks eighth in the Northeast-10 in kills per set (3.03). Freeman's presence at the net with 49 total blocks also puts her in sixth in the conference in points per set (3.7).

Key to the River Hawks' success has been the play of their rookies. The six new faces have totaled 331 kills, accounting for 44% of the club's offense. At the head of the pack are Hannah Rey (San Diego, Calif.) and Anisa Smith (Moraga, Calif.), who have 142 and 92 kills, respectively.

Merrimack enters play with 12 consecutive losses, dating back to Sept. 24. Over that stretch, the team has won just five total sets.

For the Warriors, freshman Stephanie Sheehan averages a team-best 3.15 kills, while adding 2.41 digs as well. She's aided offensively by Jenna Reilly and Nicole Duarte who average 2.28 and 2.09 kills per set, respectively.

Up next, UMass Lowell hits the road for matches at Southern Connecticut St. on Friday and Stonehill College on Tuesday.