BENNINGTON, Vt. – The Southern Vermont College Mountaineers women's volleyball team knocked out the #6 Bay Path College Wildcats 3-0 in the New England Collegiate Conference Championship Quarterfinals Tuesday night at the MAC. The win advances the #3 SVC squad to the semifinals against #2 Lesley University Lynx (17-9, 6-1 NECC) Friday, November 5th, at 8:00 p.m. The remainder of the tournament is at #1 Daniel Webster College in Nashua, N.H.
SVC Head Coach Josh Stokes said, "We really came out firing against Bay Path. What more can a Coach ask for out of their team? 3-0 for the third time against Bay Path this season puts a smile on my face. It's funny; tonight the ladies are having a celebration party. It consists of them getting together and doing homework. That is how special and committed they are to SVC and that leaves a warm feeling in my heart for all of them."
Southern Vermont improved to 14-8 overall, which is tied for the most wins by a women's program at SVC with the 1996-1997 women's basketball team that finished 14-9. "I can't say enough, how proud of this group I am," said Coach Stokes. "This season has been a battle and we have worked hard to challenge the best record ever by a female program at SVC."
The Mountaineers won with sets of 25-19, 25-19, and 25-14. Junior outside hitter Ashliy Veliz had a match-high 10 kills and had19 digs for SVC. Southern Vermont was led by captain libero Joanna Hogue, who was moved to outside-hitter for the match. Hogue finished with nine kills and 13 digs.
"All season we have tried so many different options of offense and defense; finally we have what we are looking for," said Coach Stokes. "Having our Libero transition into Outside Hitting has created a steady offense that looks to challenge Lesley on Friday night. Defense is what we will be looking to improve for that match because stopping their flow is very important."
Junior setter Hershey Canta led all with 26 assists and four aces. Canta also added 16 digs on defense for SVC.
The Wildcats were led by senior middle-hitter Nadine Harkless who tallied six kills. Freshman Kate Bartels led the team with 14 digs and she added a kill on the attack. Sophomore setter Ashley Provost finished with seven assists, one ace, and 11 digs to round out the box for Bay Path.
"Having the support of the Mountaineer faithful really does add an element to our team dynamic," said Coach Stokes. "Plus, watching President Gross give each girl a hug at the end of the night really makes me proud of the women's volleyball team. No one can ever fault this group for touching the hearts of so many different people. I love them all."
