Johnson & Wales Advances to ECAC Semifinals, Volleyball Ends Season

ECAC Quarterfinals: #2 Johnson & Wales 3, #7 Worcester State 1

Box Score 

Providence, RI –-- The No. 2 seeded Johnson & Wales women’s volleyball team posted a 3-1 (25-19, 25-10, 22-25, 25-16) victory against No. 7 seed Worcester State in the quarterfinals of the 2008 ECAC New England Division III Championship at the Harborside Recreation Center on Wednesday night. With the win, the Wildcats have tied a school record with 27 wins, set in 2007.

Sophomore Nikki Balchunas (Brockton, MA) led the way for Johnson & Wales with a match-high 12 kills, five digs and three service aces. Freshman Abbey Reedy (Cincinnati, Ohio) added 11 kills and four blocks while fellow rookie Audrey Warren (Haverhill, MA) notched 10 kills in the victory. Freshman Brittney Carrier (Southington, CT) had a double-double with 32 set assists and 10 digs for the Wildcats.

Worcester State was paced by junior Lauren Saylor (Swansea, MA) with nine kills, 15 digs and three service aces. Freshman Brittany Stoddard (Orange, MA) notched 17 set assists and 13 digs in the setback for the Lancers.

With the win Johnson & Wales is now 27-12 on the year while Worcester State wraps up the 2008 campaign with a 17-15 record. The Wildcats will take on the winner of the Norwich vs. Plymouth State quarterfinal contest in the semifinals of the ECAC Championship on Saturday, November 15th. The tournament now moves to No. 1 seed Colby-Sawyer with action getting underway at 12:00 p.m.

Release Courtesy of Johnson & Wales Sports Information