MEDFORD, Mass. – Maine Maritime women's volleyball falls to the MIT Engineers 3-0 (7-25, 11-25, 28-25) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Cousens Gymnasium at host site Tufts University.
 
How it Happened: The first set was taken by MIT 25-7. The Engineers took an early lead in the set 9-2 forcing the timeout by the Mariners in hopes of regrouping, but the Engineers never looked back. The Engineers defense was the true difference maker in giving them the 1-0 lead in the match.
 
The second set of the match was taken in favor of the Engineers 25-11. The Mariners came out in the second set showing some changes from the first set looking to take this set for their side. Rachel Melampy (Duxbury, Mass.) was able to deliver some crucial kills for her team giving them early points in the set but eventually the Engineers took a 2-0 lead in the match.
 
MIT was able to complete the 3-0 sweep over Maine Maritime after winning the third set 25-18. Early on in the set it was Ila Smith (Lexington, Ky.) who delivered a big kill to give her side some momentum. She was assisted by Melampy with two straight aces to even the score at 6-6 in the set. The Mariners took the lead in the set with their resilient effort and great play from sophomore Hunnie Zuber-Stephens (Lubbock, Texas) as she made some impressive digs to defend for her team. MIT regained control late in the set as Ella Gragg earned three consecutive kills for the Engineers shifting the momentum. Ali Gibbs put the final stamp on the match for MIT with a kill giving her side the 3-0 match victory.
 
Inside the Numbers:

• Melampy led the Mariners with four kills, six digs, two aces, and four blocks.
• Zuber-Stephens recorded 10 digs and an ace.
• Katie Albritton (Hutto, Texas) dished out 12 assists and two kills.
• The Engineers were led in kills today by Alyssa Unell and Lauren Keller as they had eight kills each.
• Ottavia Personeni joined them with 16 digs in the match.