LEWISTON, Maine – The Mariners fell to non-conference opponent Bates College in three sets, on Wednesday night; 28-25, 25-15, 25-23.

Maine Maritime jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first set, but the Bobcats clawed their way back and the two teams swapped the lead back and forth for the majority of the set. The Mariners scored three straight points to take a 25-24 lead, but the Bobcats scored four of the next five points to take the first set, 28-26.

The Mariners found themselves down 11-6 early in the second set, and the Bobcats went on to score five-straight before taking the second set, 25-15.

Down two sets Maine Maritime continued to fight, Sydney Robertson (Barnstead, N.H.) picked up three service aces to put the Mariners up 4-1. The third set was similar to the first as the two teams swapped the lead numerous times. With both teams sitting at 23-23, the Bobcats scored two consecutive points to take the set and the match.

Gillian O'Neal (Burbank, Calif.) finished the night just shy of a double-double with 10 digs, nine kills and three service aces. Jess Menges (Old Forge, N.Y.) had a team-high 11 digs, while Robertson picked up six kills, five service aces, two block solos and two digs. Betsy Trenckmann (La Veta, Colo.) added 18 assists, and nine digs.

Augy Silver had a match-high 12 digs, while Miranda Shapiro picked up 11 digs and 18 assists for the Bobcats.

Maine Maritime falls to 11-13 on the season and will return to action and North Atlantic Conference play this Saturday when they travel to Husson University to take on the hosts and Green Mountain.