NORTON, Mass. – The No. 9 MIT women's volleyball team defeated NEWMAC rival Wheaton College, 25-22, 25-17, 25-16, on Tuesday night in Emerson Gymnasium.
Miller Grimes produced eight kills, a .583 hitting percentage, and three blocks for the Engineers.
THE BASICS:
- Score: No. 9 MIT 3, Wheaton 0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-16)
- Records: No. 9 MIT (10-1 Overall, 2-0 NEWMAC); Wheaton (4-10 Overall, 0-3 NEWMAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Set 1: Back-to-back kills by Grimes followed by an ace from Eileen Sadati gave MIT a 9-3 lead. The Engineers maintained a small cushion, however, a 4-1 burst brought Wheaton within 16-15. Kills by Kayleigh May and Sabine Smith created some breathing room, but the Lyons trimmed the deficit to two points on four occasions, the last at 24-22 on an ace by Emily Cordell. MIT thwarted the late rally and secured the win courtesy of a kill from Brennan Fritts.
- Set 2: The Engineers opened the set with seven unanswered points; however, Wheaton replied with eight consecutive points. Sparked by a kill from Sadati, the visitors mounted a 17-8 run as a serving error gave it set point at 24-16. A kill by Maddy Botelho extended the frame, but Fritts completed the comeback with a kill.
- Set 3: After a tight start, MIT went on to establish a 13-6 lead after a block by Grimes and Fritts. The Lyons battled back as a kill from Ajsa Orban narrowed the gap to 16-13. The Engineers replied with an 8-2 run, claiming match point on a kill by Smith. A serving error kept Wheaton alive; however, Grimes quickly clinched the match with a kill.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Smith led all players with 10 kills and added 10 digs and two aces while Jennifer Cen registered eight kills, a .467 hitting performance, and three blocks.
- May compiled 28 assists, 13 digs, and two aces as Sophia Song recorded a team-high 14 digs.
UP NEXT:
- MIT will host Bowdoin College on Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM.
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