EASTON, Mass. (September 30, 2023) - The Stonehill College women's volleyball hosted the final event of Family Weekend at Merkert Gymnasium Saturday night as they defeated Northeast Conference opponent Central Connecticut State University in five sets, 3-2 (25-21, 25-22, 33-35. 20-25, 15-8).

Stonehill (2-16, 2-2 NEC): 3

Central Connecticut St. (2-13, 1-3 NEC): 2

(25-21, 25-22, 33-35, 20-25, 15-8)

Skyhawk Summary

Sophomore Mia Berardino (Rowley, Mass./Triton Regional) was a force on the offensive end for the Skyhawks as she led the team with 16 kills, three service aces, and one block assist for 19.5 points. Freshman Georgia Murphy (Plano, Texas/John Paul II) tallied a season-high 14 kills, also contributing 17 digs, two assists, and a block for 15.5 points. Senior Lauren McCloskey (Salem, N.H./Salem) was second on the team with 18.5 points after recording 12 kills, three service aces, and a team-high five total blocks (two solo/three assists). Senior Kristen DeLorenzo (Fayetteville, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy) led Stonehill with a season-high 23 digs and eight assists. Freshman Amaya Parnell (Pepperell, Mass./Lincoln Sudbury) tallied a team-high 22 while recording six digs and two kills. Sophomore Delaney Mihelich (Fullerton, Calif./Rosary Academy) assisted on 21 points to match her season-high, also recording two kills and six digs. Freshman Lauren MacKellar (Northville, Mich./Northville) had nine kills, a team-leading four block assists, and an assist, scoring 11 points.

How it Happened

SET 1 | After going 2-1, Stonehill would go on a 9-2 run to build an eight-point advantage early in the match with Berardino posting three kills during that stretch. The Skyhawks never relinquished their lead throughout the first set with the Blue Devils smallest deficit being three points when they made the score 24-21. Their rally was too late in the frame as the Skyhawks won the set 25-21.

SET 2 | CCSU came out the gates firing in the second set, scoring seven of the first eight points after five attack errors from Stonehill. The Blue Devils built their largest lead of the set at seven points after a service put them ahead 12-5. Another 9-2 run from the Skyhawks propelled them back into the set as they tied things up at 14 apiece. After four more ties Stonehill would pull away with five of the last seven points to win the set 25-22.

SET 3 | The third set Saturday night would be the longest of the season for the Skyhawks, as the early stages swayed back in forth. The Skyhawks led 6-1 before falling behind 9-8 as things leveled out through the middle of the set. In total, the set would include 17 ties and 17 lead changes. Stonehill was ahead 24-21 before a late CCSU rally tied the score (24-24) leading to an epic battle for the final two points. The Blue Devils would eventually win the set 35-33.

SET 4 | The Skyhawks started strong in the fourth as they went ahead 9-5 but CCSU continued to rally anytime they found themselves in a hole. Stonehill led the rest of the set until they were leading 18-15 and the Blue Devils responded with seven consecutive scores to take the lead, 22-18. CCSU held onto their lead and won the fourth set 25-20 to tie the match 2-2.

SET 5 | The fifth and deciding set had everyone in Merkert Gym on their feet as Stonehill fed off the energy, taking an early 3-1 lead and beating the Blue Devils to the eight-point mark, as the teams switched sides with the Skyhawks leading 8-3. Berardino had four kills for Stonehill during their impressive start. CCSU would get as close as four points within the Skyhawks (10-6) but Stonehill went on a 5-2 run as Murphy put the nail in the coffin with a right-handed kill to end the match, 15-8.

Up Next

Stonehill Volleyball returns to action for a non-conference matchup at Manhattan College on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before returning to Merkert Gymnasium as they continue NEC play against Merrimack on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.

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