HARTFORD, Conn. – Simmons University volleyball (3-1) began the two-day Trinity College Tournament with a four-set, 3-1 (25-17, 25-13, 23-25, 25-19) victory over Westfield State University, Friday evening.

The Sharks were strong in all facets off the match. Offensively, three Sharks reached double digit kills – junior Sydney Iannantuono (13), senior Amanda Fortune (12), and sophomore Claire Conners (10), while defensively Simmons tallied a season-best 10 total blocks as a team.

Iannatuono registered her first double-double of the season, notching 17 defensive digs in addition to her team-best 13 kills. Conners was steady on offensive, posting a .429 attack percentage with 10 kills on 21 attempts. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
Simmons jumped out to the early 1-0 match advantage, taking the first set, 25-17. Fortune was nearly perfect from the floor tallying five kills on six attempts, while Conners hit .625 with five kills on eight attempts. 

Set 2
The Sharks continued to keep their foot on the accelerator heading into the second set. Fortune posted another five kills while partnering with senior Krissy Lloyd for a block assist. As a team Simmons combined for eight service aces, getting four from first-year Ava Saltzgiver.

Set 3
Westfield State got a game back to stay alive in the match. Ashley Crowley led the Owls with four kills while as a team they tacked on three total blocks. 

Set 4
Simmons sealed the game with a 25-13 win in the fourth set. Iannantuono was four for 10 from the floor with five defensive digs and a block assist. Saltzgiver was solid once again, pacing the offense with 10 assists.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Junior Sydney Iannantuono registered her first double-double of the season, tallying 13 kills and 17 defensive digs.
• Sophomore Claire Conners posted a .429 attack percentage (10 kills, 21 attempts).
• First-year Ava Saltzgiver paced the offense with 26 set assists.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the courts tomorrow against Eastern Connecticut State University at 10 a.m.