PRESQUE ISLE ME,
The University of Maine at Presque Isle Women's Volleyball team hosted their first home matches of the year bringing in the University of Maine at Fort Kent Bengals for a doubleheader on homecoming weekend. The Owls were competitive on this night, but were unable to string enough together falling in both ends of the doubleheader.

Game 1 UMFK (3-0): 20-25, 14-25, 21-25
The first match saw three competitive sets but the Owls just couldn't seem to get over the hump. The Owls jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first set, and kept that lead until it was 14-9. Then UMFK went on an 8-point run and the Owls couldn't recover, losing the set 25-20. Set 2 saw the Bengals jumping out to a lead early and keeping it throughout. It was their most dominant set of the first match, winning it 25-14. In set 3, UMPI started out with 5 straight points. UMFK made a comeback however and took the lead at 8-7. They would never give it up, winning Match number 1 in straight sets.

Top Performers:
Faith Graham was a major force at the net, racking up 6 kills and contributing 3 blocks to her team's defense. Mia Gutierrez, another freshman standout, added 5 kills and 2 aces to her stat line.  Freshman Evelyn Elijah also made her mark with 4 kills. Rylie Kolkow was exceptional, delivering 14 assists that facilitated her teammates' scoring opportunities. Overall UMPI's freshman class has made an unbelievable difference early in the season, and were on full display in this match.

On the defensive end, Kylee Blazick, Alexis Engel, and Rylie Kolkow all recorded 12 digs each. Engel also contributed with 2 aces and 1 assist, while Myah Bragdon chipped in with 1 ace and 1 block, adding depth to the team's efforts.

Game 2 UMFK (3-1): 7-25, 25-22, 17-25, 14-25
In the nightcap, the Bengals began red hot in the first set winning decisively, 25-7. This was in large part thanks to the 14 unanswered points that made it go from a 9-5 game to a 23-5 game in favor of UMFK. The Bengals' Maria Pena served during this run and picked up 6 service aces in that span. Set 2 was easily the most back and forth and exciting set of the night. UMPI had a slim lead throughout and was able to grow it to 20-14 at one point and were on the brink of winning their first set of the night. Then the Bengals fired off 7 points in a row to take back the lead. UMPI hung tough however, scoring four in a row and eventually prevailing 25-22.

The Owls joy of winning the set and tying the second match would be short lived. The Bengals were able to get back to how they played in the first match and stated firmly in control through the next two sets, winning the match 3-1.

Top Performers:
Faith Graham emerged as the kills leader again with 11 and also added 2 aces. Mia Gutierrez contributed significantly with 5 kills and 9 digs. Brooklynn Siebrasse came off the bench and made her mark with 5 kills and 2 aces. Rylie Kolkow orchestrated the offense recording 20 assists. On the defensive front, the senior duo of Kylee Blazick and Alexis Engel, combined for 30 digs, 19 from Engel and 11 from Blazick. Mia Gutierrez also chipped in with 9.

The Owls fall to 4-4 on the season and will get another chance at UMFK this Thursday, September 19. The doubleheader will begin at 5pm.