Volleyball: Babson at Mount Holyoke

THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) foe Babson College Tuesday evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. In 20 previous meetings between the programs, the Lyons own a 14-6 advantage. When the two squads met last fall, the Beavers came out on top 3-0. It was their third straight win over Mount Holyoke.
Match Program

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (3-6, 0-3 NEWMAC) has grabbed three wins in nine tries thus far this season. The Lyons have blanked Becker College 3-0 on two occasions and have also defeated Bay Path College by a score of 3-1. They have gone winless in three NEWMAC contests. Leading the way for Mount Holyoke has been outside hitter Morgan Cooley. In 31 sets played, she has racked up 67 kills, 65 digs and 12 service aces. The Lyons have also received a boost from outside hitter Rosa Marruffo, who has tallied 49 kills, 96 digs and 17 service aces. Middle hitter Kathryn Brummer has collected 49 kills, 75 digs and 16 service aces. Meanwhile, setterKateryna Kuc has been solid on both sides of the ball, piling up 181 assists, 60 digs and 23 service aces. Rounding things out for Mount Holyoke has been middle hitter Tyler Protano-Goodwin, who has recorded 13 blocks.

THE BEAVERS: Babson (8-5, 3-0 NEWMAC) has exploded for six straight victories after opening the season with an overall record of 2-5. The Beavers have been perfect in NEWMAC matches, defeating Smith College (3-0), WPI (3-0) and Wheaton College (3-2). They also own non-conference victories over Gordon College (3-0), the Wentworth Institute of Technology (3-0), Emerson College (3-2), Lasell College (3-0) and the University of New England (3-1). Babson has been paced by outside hitter Meg Flaherty, who has gathered 144 kills, 135 digs and 17 service aces. The Beavers have also received solid production from middle blocker Caitlin O’Neill, who has tallied 110 kills and 33 blocks. Outside hitter Nina Milovanovic has totaled 119 kills and 116 digs, while defensive specialist Becca Rydzik and setter Kathleen Lynch have delivered 149 digs and 411 assists, respectively.

NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will return to action this weekend, when it participates in the Mid Coast Classic. The Lyons will face off against Rivier College on Friday at 8:00 p.m. before meeting up with host Bowdoin College at 11:00 a.m. and Worcester State College at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Babson is slated to resume its NEWMAC schedule next Tuesday versus Wellesley College at 7:00 p.m.