Falcons Drop 3-0 Decision To Bears

Peirce and Taylor combine for 14 digs in conference setback

Bridgewater, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's volleyball team opened Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) play this evening, dropping 3-0 decision to the Bears of Bridgewater State University at the Tinsley Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 0, Bridgewater State 3 (12-25, 17-25, 18-25)

Records: Fitchburg State (1-5, 0-1 MASCAC) | Bridgewater State (1-2, 1-0 MASCAC)

Set One

Bridgewater State opened with a 7-3 advantage to start the match as sophomore Alexis Duarte (Fairhaven, Mass./Fairhaven) registered two kills to lead the way. Fitchburg State cut the lead to 12-10 with following points from senior Nicole Sylvester (Everett, Mass./Everett), but the Bears end the first set with four straight service aces by senior Kayla Baril (Seekonk, Mass./Seekonk), resulting in the 25-12 first set final.

Set Two

The Bears raced out to a quick 9-2 margin in the second set as the hosts collected seven straight points off of serves from sophomore Casey Holmes (Norton, Mass./Norton). The Falcons rallied to make score 12-7 with juniors Emily Beauvais (Haverhill, Mass./Winchendon School) and Kathryn Newcomb (Portsmouth, R.I./Portsmouth) picking up kills, but Bridgewater State would answer back to take a 23-12 edge on a service ace from senior Elizabeth Roberts (Swansea, Mass./Joseph Case), resulting in the 25-17 set two final.

Set Three

The Green and Gold took a 11-5 lead to start the third set as freshman Meredith Taylor (Reading, Mass./Reading Memorial) and sophomore Paige Anderson (Winchendon, Mass./Winchendon School) ignited the run for the visitors before Bridgewater State battle back to take a 20-16 advantage with seven consecutive points off Sydney Rice (Medway, Mass./Medway) serves as the Bears held on for a 25-18 victory in the third set.

Inside the Numbers

This evening's contest will mark the 20th meeting between the two squads on the volleyball court with the Falcons currently 3-17 all-time when taking on the Bears.

Bridgewater State has won the last 12 matches with Fitchburg State, including a 3-0 decision last season at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Fitchburg State was led by sophomore Jessica Peirce (Brentwood, N.H./Exeter) with a team-best nine digs, while Anderson added five digs, two assists and three service aces.

Taylor was also solid for the Green and Gold, chipping in with five digs and three assists.

For Bridgewater State, Holmes finished with a match-best 14 assists, five digs and three service aces, while Baril added four assists, eight digs and six kills.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Colby-Sawyer College on Thursday for a non-conference tilt, starting at 7:00 PM. Bears will host Wheaton College and Gordon College for a tri-match on Saturday, starting at 11:00 AM.