WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University women's volleyball began Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference play with a 3-0 win over Westfield State University Tuesday evening at John P. Brissette Court. Set scores were 25-14, 25-19, 25-21.

With the win, Worcester State improves to 2-7 and 1-0 in the MASCAC. Westfield State continues to seek its first win of the 2021 season, dropping to 0-9.

Seniors Leelle Tyler (Longmeadow, Mass.) and Sarah Ward (Townsend, Mass.) led the Lancers in the first set. Tyler recorded five kills while Ward had two service aces. Natalie Gillis (Ashland, Mass.) and Gabby Alberghini (Northborough, Mass.) chipped in with four kills each.

The Lancers opened the second set on a 4-0 run, but the Owls weren't going to go down easily. After tying up the score 9-9 an Olivia Elie (Rockland, Mass.) kill put the Owls up 10-9 over the Lancers. Tyler and Alberghini each had three kills in the second set to put Worcester State up 2-0 over the Owls.

The Lancers and Owls battled for control in the third set, but ultimately the Lancers prevailed. Three service aces from Camryn Burgio (Quincy, Mass.) to help Worcester State nail their conference win.

Tyler finished with a match-high 11 kills, two digs and two block assists. Alberghini finished with nine kills, while Gillis led all players with 14 digs. Leading the Owls were Ashley Crowley (Billerica, Mass.) and Bridgette McAndrews (Longmeadow, Mass.), who each recorded six kills.

Worcester State will be back in action Saturday for a trimatch at Wentworth against the host and Lasell.

#WooWVB