GORHAM, ME
The University of Maine at Presque Isle Volleyball squad faced its toughest test of the young season on Saturday, taking on Covenant College and the University of Southern Maine in a doubleheader at Hill Gym in Gorham.
Match 1: 3-0 Scots
The Owls ran into a strong Covenant squad in the opening match, as the Scots controlled the first set from the opening serve. Covenant jumped out to a commanding lead and closed out the first set 25-3. UMPI attempted to find its footing in the second set, but Covenant continued to apply pressure offensively. The Owls battled to six points, but the Scots pulled away late to take the set 25-6 and move within one set of the sweep. Covenant finished the match with another strong performance in the third set, earning a 25-11 victory to complete the 3-0 sweep. Despite the result, the Owls continued to battle throughout the match, finishing with 27 digs as a team.
Top Performers:
Rylie Kolkow and Jada Kee led UMPI with two kills apiece, while Katelynne Robertson added one. Kolkow also recorded a team-best 2.5 points and added a block.
Evelyn Perkins led the Owls with five assists, while Maubi Mateo paced the defensive effort with seven digs. Alyssa Pomrenke added six digs, while Tiana Orffer finished with five.
Robertson and Pomrenke each recorded an ace, while UMPI finished with two total service aces.
Match 2: 3-0Â Huskies
The Owls returned to the court later Saturday afternoon against the University of Southern Maine looking to bounce back from the opening-match defeat. UMPI came out stronger in the second match, battling the Huskies throughout the opening set. The Owls recorded eight kills and stayed competitive early, but Southern Maine eventually pulled away to take the first set 25-18. The second set was another competitive battle, with UMPI continuing to fight offensively. The Huskies, however, maintained control and took the set 25-17 to move within one set of the match victory. UMPI continued to battle in the third set, but Southern Maine closed out the match with a 25-14 victory to complete the sweep.
Top Performers:
Rylie Kolkow led the Owls offensively with seven kills, while Maubi Mateo added five and Tiana Orffer contributed three. Kolkow also finished with 10 digs and two blocks, providing an all-around performance for UMPI.
Mateo continued to make an impact on both sides of the ball, recording 12 digs to lead the Owls defensively.
Evelyn Perkins directed the UMPI offense with 14 assists, while Jada Kee led the team at the net with three blocks. Maggie Prindle added one block, while Kolkow recorded two.
Kee also registered UMPI's lone ace of the match.
Next Up:
The Owls head to Boston, MA tomorrow to face Fisher College in a doubleheader at 12pm and 2pm. They are looking to get back into the win column after a challenging doubleheader.
