Owls Sail Past Vikings, 3-0

WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State women's volleyball team cruised to a straight set win over the visiting Salem State Vikings (25-7, 25-12, 25-19) on Wednesday, October 11 in the Woodward Center.

The win marks the third consecutive victory for the Owls and brings their MASCAC record to 3-0 in conference and 4-14 overall. The Vikings slip to 6-8 overall and 1-2 in the MASCAC.

Westfield State came out hot, rattling off the game's first 7 points with Allie Hill (St. Clair Shores, Mich./ Lakeview) picking up a pair of aces in the process.

The Owls only trailed once in the match, early in the third set (3-2), but regained control quickly posting a six point run highlighted by two Julia Bartiet (Cheshire, Conn./ Cheshire) kills and a Bridgette McAndrews (Longmeadow, Mass./ Longmeadow) ace.

McAndrews paced the Owls with 15 kills, nine digs and three service aces. Lauren Carnes (Westfield, Mass./ Westfield) was an efficient 9 of 17 on her attacks and Michaela O'Connor (Shrewsburgy, Mass./ Shrewsbury) grabbed a game-high 16 digs in the win.

Salem State was led offensively by Presley Shairs' (Salem, Mass./ Salem) seven kills and Celia Carbone's (Lynnfield, Mass./ Lynnfield) 11 assist.  Ariana Barrows (Danvers, Mass./ Essex Tech) and Kailey Roche (Billerica, Mass./ Billerica) led the Vikings with seven digs each in the setback.

Westfield State heads to Lasell on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a 1:00 p.m. start for the back end of a home and home series and look to avenge a home loss to the Lazers in September. Salem State returns to conference play on Tuesday, Oct. 17 when they host Mass. Maritime for a 6:00 p.m. start.