Worcester State Takes on Keene in Final Non-Conference Battle of Regular Season

Worcester, MA- In their final non-conference match of the season the Worcester State Volleyball team (9-18, 4-3) hosted Keene State. 

Final

Worcester State: 1

Keene State: 3

How it Happened:

The Worcester State volleyball team showed determination and grit Tuesday night at John P. Brissette '88 Court, battling Keene State in a hard-fought 3–1 loss (16–25, 21–25, 25–20, 17–25). The Lancers refused to go quietly, putting together strong stretches of offense and showcasing balanced play from multiple contributors.

The opening set began with both sides trading points early before the visiting Owls surged ahead behind a strong attack from Annaliese Rudberg and Colleen Fraser. After a Worcester timeout, the Lancers began to settle in, highlighted by kills from first year Reece Connors (Fresno, CA)  who had 12 kills, 12 assists and 10 digs, and senior Kate Stedronsky (Sea Girt, NJ). Despite the push, Keene's early advantage held firm as the Owls took the set 25–16.

Worcester came out firing in the second, showing far more energy and consistency. Connors continued to pace the attack with help from junior Michelle Iannacito (Bronx, NY), who had 19 assists and 5 digs and sophomore libero Katherine Crateau (North Andover, MA). The Lancers' defensive effort tightened behind Crateau and senior Cassandra Millea (Orange, CT), while seven kills from senior Sara Carter (North Attleboro, MA) and sophomore Kaitlyn Anthony (Gastonia, NC) kept the set close throughout. A late run from Keene, capped by a service ace and a pair of key blocks, edged the Owls to a 25–21 win in the most competitive set of the match.

Worcester refused to back down, taking command in the third set. The Lancers' offense found its rhythm, hitting .222 in the frame, their best of the night. Senior Cassidy D'Esposito (Medford, NY) and sophomore Rylee Valstyn (Watertown, MA) fueled a 9–3 mid-set run that swung momentum squarely in Worcester's favor. The defense held strong, and Connors sealed the 25–20 win with back-to-back kills that brought the home crowd to its feet.

The fourth set again saw long rallies and determined play, but Keene State's attack depth ultimately proved decisive. Worcester hung close early, with key digs from Crateau and Millea and strong swings from Carter and Connors. Despite the Lancers' effort, Keene closed the match 25–17.

As a team, Worcester totaled 39 kills and 52 digs while out-blocking the Owls 5.5 to 6 in total blocks. 

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold (9-19, 4-3) will close out their regular season next Saturday when they host Westfield State at noon in their game dedicated to their senior class.