THROGGS NECK, N.Y. – Melissa Lail (Elizabeth, Colo.) and Sydney Robertson (Barnstead, N.H.) led the attack as Maine Maritime rallied for a 3-1 win over the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the Second Annual Maritime Classic opener.

USMMA (3-4) edged MMA (8-1) 26-24 in the opening game, but the Maine Maritime charged back 25-21, 25-11, 26-24 to take the win. Lail recorded match-high 12 kills, while Robertson added 10 to the MMA cause. Lail offered up three aces and a pair of assisted blocks, while Robertson had a solo block and two block assists.

Chelsea Ward (Homer, Alaska) came up with nine kills and three blocks, four assists and 18 digs. Lauren Sakahara (Bellevue, Wash.) posted a match-high 26 digs.

The Merchant Marines got nine kills from Cassandra Palma and eight more from Jessica Tyack.

Maine Maritime returns to action tomorrow against Massachusetts Maritime and SUNY-Maritime.

Maine Maritime def. Merchant Marine 24-26,25-21,25-11,26-24

Merchant Marine (3-4) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Cassandra Palma 9-4-0;  Jessica Tyack 8-0-2; Michelle Danhof 7-0-0; Julie Flaherty 7-0-2;  Grace Mariani 4-0-0; Jenn Perkins 3-0-0; Kelly Hodges 1-2-0; Riley Heulbig 0-1-0; Miranda Walz 0-4-0; Totals 39-11-2.0. (Assists) – Riley Heulbig 18; Miranda Walz 15. (Dig leaders) - Michelle Danhof 15; Kelly Hodges 12; Riley Heulbig 10

Maine Maritime (8-1) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Melissa Lail 12-3-2; Sydney Robertson 10-0-3; Chelsea Ward 9-1-3; Kayley Rodriguez 5-3-1; Heather Moore 4-1-2; Jennifer Dixon 3-1-0; Totals 43-9-7.0. (Assists) - Jennifer Dixon 32. (Dig leaders) - Lauren Sakahara 26; Chelsea Ward 18; Jennifer Dixon 8