ALBANY, N.Y. -- Freshman outside hitter
Kate Bilyeu (Omaha, Neb.) managed a match-high 14 kills, including the match clincher for the UMass Lowell Volleyball team in the 3-1 road victory at UAlbany on Saturday night in the season finale at University Gym. The set scores were 18-25, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-23.Â
The River Hawks finish their season with a 5-21 overall record (3-9 AE), while the Great Danes finish the regular-season with a 15-10 mark (9-3 AE). The three wins in America East play are a new program record.
"Honestly, this was the best volleyball we have played all season," said Head Coach
Resa Provanzano. "We played consistently focused, aggressive, and confident throughout the match and executed game plan extremely well. It was awesome to see the younger players step up at clutch moments and for the seniors to lead confidently in their last match."
Redshirt sophomore
Malia Randolph (McDonough, Ga.) had another solid all-around effort with nine kills, 21 assists and 15 digs in the win for UMass Lowell. Juniors
Madi Bell (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) and
Katherine Claybaugh (Alamo, Calif.) each chipped in with eight kills apiece for the River Hawks' offense. Bell also added two blocks, while Claybaugh posted the set-clinching kill in the third stanza.
UMass Lowell totaled a match-high 14 kills in the first and fourth sets.Â
Tonight's match marked the final collegiate match for middle blocker
Lade Adeniyi (Springifeld, Ill.), outside hitter
Erica Cappellino (Penfield, N.Y.) and libero
Lindsey Visvardis (Homer Glen, Ill.). Adeniyi recorded six kills, while Visvardis posted 21 digs for the River Hawks' defense and Cappellino finished the match with two service aces.
"This group of seniors are remarkable people that have fought through a lot during their careers," remarked Provanzano. "It was a special moment to end with a win and a glimpse into the bright future for UMass Lowell Volleyball."
Freshman defensive specialist
Aleyna Kennel (Monument, Colo.) also added 12 digs in another strong defensive effort for the River Hawks.
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