Lancers Defeat Vikings in Conference Opener

WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State upended Salem State 3-0, winning 25-6, 25-12 and 25-14 in the MASCAC opener for both teams on Tuesday evening at John P. Brissette Court. The Lancers go to 6-8 on the season and 1-0 in conference. The Vikings are now 4-5 and 0-1 in the MASCAC.

Worcester State dominated the first set, roaring out to an 17-3 lead behind three kills each by Beatrice Gamboa-Estrella and Cassidy D'Esposito. Back-to-back errors by Salem State gave the Lancers a 21-5 lead, before winning, 25-6 after Salem State's 10^th error of the set. Worcester State took an early lead in set two as consecutive kills by Gamboa-Estrella gave the Lancers an 8-3 lead. The margin grew to 16-8 after two bad sets by Salem State. Leading 20-11, Worcester State won five on the final six points with Jess Rancourt picking up a pair of service aces. 

Worcester State completed the sweep, building a commanding 11-3 advantage behind three aces from Carmen Burgio. A kill by Maeve Cadogan made it 19-9 in favor of the Lancers. Two more kills by Gamboa-Estrella made the score 22-12 before Worcester State settled for a 25-14 win.

Gamboa-Estrella led all players with nine kills. Burgio finished with 24 digs and four aces. Angela Colonis had 16 assists and nine digs for Worcester State.

Kailey Roche had 18 digs for Salem State while Celia Carbone contributed 10 assist and five digs. Abigail O'Connor registered five kills and 1.5 blocks.