Senior Olivia Lathrop Powers @WNEVolleyball to Sweep of Smith College, Norwich

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--The Western New England University women's volleyball team served up its 2015 home schedule in style on Saturday by sweeping Smith College, 25-15, 25-19, 25-17, and Norwich University, 25-15, 25-10, 25-10, in a non-conference tri-match at the Alumni Healthful Living Center. The Golden Bears now stand 3-1 on the season.

Senior co-captain Olivia Lathrop recorded 19 kills in two matches, while classmate and co-captain Kelsey Armstrong posted 14 and sophomore Carly Skibinski, 13, for Western New England (.170, 14 aces)

Against Smith, Armstrong, Lathrop and Skibinski had eight kills apiece as the Golden Bears limited the Pioneers to .029 hitting.

Elizabeth Peay led the visiting Pioneers with seven kills and Julie Voorhes had nine digs.

After a slow start in the first set, WNE reeled off an 11-7 run to erase a 4-0 deficit. After a Peay kill to make it 12-11, the Golden Bears took the lead for good with an eight-point spurt to go up 19-12--including four consecutive service aces from junior setter Jenna Leuck (11 assists).

The Golden Bears also took awhile to get going in the second frame, falling behind 5-3. But a bad set by the Pioneers began a 7-0 run for the Golden Bears.

The WNE defense also shined in its victory over the Cadets, holding them to a minus-.056 attack percentage. The Golden Bears offense, meanwhile, hit .272 for the match including marks of .364 and .385 to end strong.

Lathrop pounded 11 kills, junior setter Jessica Sincero had 14 assists and Leuck had 13 digs.

For Norwich, Alex Ruediger and Kristen Brewer had three kills, Brewer added a match-best 16 digs and Katherine Crane had 10 assists.

Western New England next Saturday will be at Emerson College in Boston for a tri-match with the host team and Lesley College.