Falcons Drop Three Set Conference Clash To Owls

Sardella nets team-best eight kills for Green and Gold

Westfield, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University Women's Volleyball Team dropped a 3-0, straight set decision to the Owls of Westfield State University this evening in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic (MASCAC) action at the Woodward Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 0, Westfield State 0 (10-25,12-25, 12-25)

Records: Fitchburg State (3-11, 0-4 MASCAC) | Westfield State (7-10. 3-1 MASCAC)

How It Happened

First Set
The two teams traded points to open the first set as freshman Stephanie Sardella (Billerica, Mass.) notched a pair of kills for Fitchburg State before Westfield State took a 16-7 edge on an Ashley Crowley (Billerica, Mass.) kill. The Falcons trimmed the lead to 20-10 on another kill from Sardella, but the Owls secured the first set 25-10.

Second Set
The Falcons took a 5-3 advantage in the second set as Sardella notched two service aces, while sophomore Shianne Harewood (Sterling, Mass.) and classmate Samantha Mirra (Burlington, Mass.) added one kill each. The Owls rallied to take a 10-8 edge as Crowley registered a kill, but Fitchburg State answered with kills from Mirra and Sardella to cut the deficit to 10-9. The host closed out the set on a 9-1 run though, capped by a kill from senior Shawna Crowley (Billerica, Mass.).

Third Set
The Green and Gold grabbed a 3-1 lead on back-to-back kills by Sardella and a Mirra kill, but Westfield State countered with kills by junior Julia Bartiet (Cheshire, Conn.) and freshman Morgan Dority (Walpole, Mass.) for the 7-4 advantage. Fitchburg State trimmed the deficit to 23-12 as junior Emily Gelinas (Westfield, Mass.) netted a service ace, while Sardella chipped in another two kills before Westfield State secured the match with kills by Ashley and Shawna Crowley, resulting in the 25-12 final.

Inside the Numbers

This evening's contest marked the 17th meeting between the two squads on the volleyball court with Fitchburg State 1-16 all-time when taking on Westfield State

Fitchburg State was paced by Sardella with a team-leading eight kills, two service aces and six digs, while Mirra added three kills and two digs. Gelinas was also solid for the Green and Gold, adding seven assists, one service ace and three digs.

For Westfield State, A. Crowley finished with 11 kills, one service ace, five digs and one blocking assist, while S. Crowley chipped in seven kills, one assist, two service aces and four digs.

Up Next

Falcons return to action on Saturday as they take on the Rams of Framingham State and the Lyons of Mount Holyoke in a tri-match, hosted by Framingham State at 1:30 and 3:30PM.