Volleyball Sweeps UMass Lowell for Sixth Consecutive Win

Sunday, October 11

Durham, N.H.

1 PM

University of New Hampshire

12-7, 4-0AE

University of Massachusetts Lowell

4-16, 1-3AE

UMass Lowell

New Hampshire

UNH has yet to concede a set in America East play this season.

Photo by: Elise Austin-Washburn

10/11/2015 3:52:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire volleyball team posted its sixth consecutive win, defeating the University of Massachusetts Lowell in straight sets at Lundholm Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.

UNH's sixth sweep of the season came by set scores of 25-12, 25-21 and 25-7.

New Hampshire improves its overall record to 12-7 and 4-0 in league play. UMass Lowell slips to 4-16, 1-3. UNH has now won its last 15 matches against conference opponents. Additionally, the Wildcats have yet to concede a set against a league foe.

Junior middle blocker Demi Muses (Orangevale, Calif.) and senior outside hitter Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga) both notched double-double efforts. Muses tallied 10 kills and 12 digs while Forrest recorded 10 kills and 10 digs. Muses matched her career-high with four service aces and logged a match-high .500 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio) and freshman middle blocker Gabri Olhava (Mount Prospect, Ill.) pitched in seven terminations apiece. The seven kills for Olhava was a career-high. Junior setter Keelin Severtson (Delray Beach, Fla.) dished out 39 assists to quarterback UNH's offense to 42 kills on a season-high .402 hitting percentage. Defensively, senior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) shoveled out nine attacks. Seniors Cassidy Croci (Sylvania, Ohio) and Maggie Kenney (Merrimack, N.H.) chalked up four blocks each.

The River Hawks were led by a pair of four-kill performances from Rachel Arnason and Lauren Bennett. Delaney Mendez and Alexa Toth shared the setting duties, tallying assist totals of nine and seven, respectively. Rookie Lindsey Visvardis anchored the backline with 11 digs.

UNH rolled out its high-octane offense out of the chute, slamming nine kills early as the home team jumped out to a 10-7 lead. Muses and Kenney added terminations as the blue and white stretched its advantage to 15-8, forcing UMass Lowell to call timeout. The Wildcats padded its lead to double-digits and didn't look back, finishing the first set with 16 kills at a .500 clip.

UMass Lowell looked to swing the momentum in its favor to begin set as the visitors engineered a 6-1 surge. After an early huddle by New Hampshire, the Wildcat defense clamped down with blocks from Croci and Kenney. UNH rallied and knotted the frame at the 13 and 14 marks. New Hampshire overtook the lead on a 5-1 scoring flurry, sparked by back-to-back kills from Croci. The River Hawks opted to take a breather, looking up at a 19-15 deficit. UMass Lowell would not fade away quietly, whittling the New Hampshire lead to two points at 22-20. However, the Wildcats were able to regain control late in the frame and enter intermission with a 2-0 lead on the strength of timely Kills from Brinkman and Muses.

The 'Cats ended the match on a high note, landing 13 kills on 23 attempts and no errors for a .565 hitting percentage. Muses proved to be the difference maker in the decisive frame. The junior middle blocker notched three kills, four service aces and eight digs to end the match. New Hampshire ended the match, holding UMass Lowell to a .000 clip on the afternoon.

UNH looks to remain undefeated in America East play, welcoming the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Stony Brook University to Lundholm Gymnasium next weekend. The Wildcats and Retrievers tussle Friday, Oct. 16 (7 p.m.). The Seawolves and Wildcats are slated to battle Saturday, Oct. 17 (4 p.m.).

Be sure to check out UNHWildcats.com or follow the Wildcats via social media on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UNHWildcats), Twitter (@UNHWildcats), YouTube (www.youtube.com/UNHAthletics), Instagram (@UNHWildcats) and Snapchat (@UNHWildcats) for the latest news and information on all 20 varsity sports. For additional information on the UNH volleyball team, like the squad on Facebook or follow the 'Cats on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @UNHVOLLEYBALL. Text UNH to 90561 to sign up for Sports alerts. Message & Data Rates May Apply. 1 message/text. Consent to receive a text message is not a condition of purchasing goods or services. Text HELP to 90561 for info. STOP to cancel. T&Cs & Privacy Policy is available HERE.