Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) dominated Keene State College Volleyball Friday evening, sweeping Keene State College 3–0. With the win, the Wolves improved to 19–6 overall and 5–3 in conference play, while the Owls dropped to 14–13 and 3–5 in the LEC.
The Wolves jumped out of the gate early, dominating through the first set behind some talented serving from libero Jersey Jones, who tallied a game-high four aces. Accurate passing and very efficient transitions allowed WestConn to maintain momentum in the second and third sets, never allowing the Owls to find any type of rhythm offensively.
For Keene State, senior Captain and outside hitter Gigi Stake led the way with six kills, while junior setter Alexis Small added 20 assists. Defensively, sophomore libero Delia Ryan was dominant in the back row with 10 digs. Junior outside hitter Sarah Bartels also tallied two blocks and junior outside hitter Colleen Fraser had five kills. Despite their great hitting in the later sets, the Owls couldn’t beat WestConn because of their efficiency and depth.
WestConn’s offense was effective and balanced throughout the day, hitting for .424 as a team, next to Keene State’s .137. Outside hitter Julia Stoliker had a game high with 14 kills with .520 hitting, followed by outside hitter Sydney Slupatchuk with 10 kills and right-side hitter Hallie Robillard who had eight. Setter Maggie Ferguson dished out 37 assists while also tallying 12 digs and six blocks. Middle blocker Ava Grace Gardner added 6 blocks of her own, helping WestConn control the net on both ends while seeming like she was everywhere.
With the regular season coming to an end soon, WestConn looks ready for postseason success, while Keene State will be looking for a different result in the playoffs.
Jonathan Smyers can be contacted at
