Falcons Defeated By Owls In Three Sets

Joubert registers match-leading 14 digs in conference setback

Westfield, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's volleyball team returned to action this evening, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Owls of Westfield State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action at the Woodward Center by the scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 25-10.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 0, Westfield State 3 (22-25,16-25, 10-25)

Records: Fitchburg State (2-11, 0-3 MASCAC) | Westfield State (3-12, 2-1 MASCAC)

Set One

Westfield State took an early 6-0 lead in the opening set on a pair of service aces from junior Hanna Simpkins (Walpole, N.H.) before Fitchburg State rallied to take a 20-19 edge as sophomore Lauren Riccardi (Tewksbury, Mass./Tewksbury) collected a kill off a set from senior Kristina Osborne (Ashby, Mas./North Middlesex). Trailing 21-20, the Owls netted five of the last seven points with senior Karolyn Higgins (Billerica, Mass./Billerica) securing the first set victory for the host with a service ace, resulting in the 25-22 first set final.

Set Two

In the second set, the Owls went up 11-6 following a kill by Simpkins, but the Falcons answered back (20-14) on a service ace from sophomore Paige Anderson (Winchendon, Mass./The Winchendon School) and a kill by Riccardi. Westfield State responded as senior Brianna Starkey (Rockland, Mass./Rockland) registered a kill as the Owls collected the 25-16 set two win.

Set Three

In the final set, Westfield State raced out to a quick 6-1 margin on a trio of service aces from Simpkins. Fitchburg State cut the deficit to 13-6 on points off of Anderson serves, but the hosts responded with a kill from Simpkins, resulting in the 25-10 final in the third set.

Inside the Numbers

This evening's matchup will mark the 14th meeting between the two teams on the volleyball court with the Falcons 1-13 all-time when taking on the Owls.

Westfield State has won the last 13 contests against Fitchburg State, including a 3-0 decision last season at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Falcons were paced by sophomore Perry Joubert (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk) with a match-leading 14 digs and one service ace, while Osborne added seven kills, one assist and one service ace.

Sophomore Amy Coelho (Bellingham, Mass./Bellingham) was also solid for the Green and Gold, finishing with a team-best ten assists and four digs.

For the Owls, junior Ally Rega (Chelmsford, Mass./Chelmsford) led the way with a game-best 29 assists, one kill and six digs, while sophomore Jess Haradon (Mansfield, Mass./Mansfield) chipped in with 12 digs, one kill and one assist.

Up Next

Falcons will host the Blue Jays of Saint Joseph of Connecticut on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup, starting at 7:00 PM. Owls will travel to Wesleyan tomorrow to take on the Cardinals for a non-conference tilt at 7:00 PM.