SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 10, 2006 – Springfield College senior middle blocker MaryKathryn O’Neil (Liverpool, N.Y.) led all players with 19 kills on 37 swings and just four errors for a .405 hitting percentage as the Pride swept Babson College, 3-0, in a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) women’s volleyball match this evening at SC’s Blake Arena.

SC won a close opening game by a score of 30-27 as O’Neil led the way with a solid 10 kills. After the opening win, the Pride went on to defeat the Beavers by scores of 30-8 and 30-20 to complete the sweep. With the victory, SC improves to 17-4 overall on the season with its fourth straight win and 4-2 in NEWMAC action. Babson falls to 6-10 overall on the year and 1-5 in league play.

Pride senior outside hitter Nicole Curtin (Beacon, N.Y.) also recorded a double-digit performance on the night in kills with 10. Senior libero Leah Hettrick (Meriden, Conn.) registered a match-best 18 digs, and sophomore setter Caitlin Mulroy (Syracuse, N.Y.) led everyone with 37 assists. Junior setter Alyssa Muething (Plainsboro, N.J.) chipped in with a match-high five service aces.

The Beavers were led by freshman middle hitter Caitlin O’Neill with seven kills and just two errors on 11 swings for a .455 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Carlen Palau added a team-high 15 digs despite the loss.

SC will next travel to Illinois to take place in the Elmhurst Invitational this weekend. The Pride opens up with a match against Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Friday night, October 13th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

published: 10/10/2006