Bates and McConnell lead Ravens to victory

RINDGE, N.H. (Sept. 10, 2004) – The Franklin Pierce volleyball team earned its first Northeast-10 Conference victory of the season tonight, as they defeated visiting Saint Michael's College 3-1 (30-22, 25-30, 30-28, 30-23). With the win, the Ravens improve their overall record to 2-5 while boosting their conference record to 1-2. The Purple Knights fall to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

The Ravens received outstanding performances from senior middle hitter Briana Bates (Belmont, N.H./Endicott College) and sophomore outside hitter Michelle McConnell (Elora, Ontario/Centre Wellington). Bates contributed a match-high 18 kills, while McConnell turned in 15 kills to go along with 18 digs and three aces. Freshman setter Bria Williams (Chino Valley, Ariz./Chino Valley) led Franklin Pierce with 46 assists.

Leading the way for the Purple Knights was senior outside hitter Lindsey Shumway (Scotia, N.Y.), who tallied 12 kills and 12 digs. Junior setter Jessica Mulroy (Marcellus, N.Y./Marcellus) was a catalyst for the offense, contributing a match-high 48 assists. Fellow junior Kaitlyn Rae (Wilbraham, Mass./Minnechaug Regional) chipped in with five aces.

Franklin Pierce (2-5, 1-2 NE-10) will next be in action on Tuesday, as they host Saint Anselm College for a Northeast-10 Conference match beginning at 7 P.M. in the Northfields Activity Center. St. Michael's (1-3, 0-1) will return to action tomorrow, as they travel to UMass Lowell for a Northeast-10 Conference match beginning at noon.