GORHAM, Maine - Freshman outside hitter Jessica Williamson (Goffstown, N.H.) had a match-high 18 kills and added six digs as the University of Southern Maine women's volleyball team fended off visiting Regis College 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) in a non-conference match Thursday evening at the Warren Hill Gymnasium. With the loss, The Pride dropped to 9-6 on the year and the win improved the Huskies' overall record to 9-2.

The match was punctuated with many long rallies. USM got off to a quick start in the opening set and managed to hold a slim lead throughout. In the middle set, the Huskies jumped out to a 10-2 advantage only to see the lead evaporate as the Pride tallied eight consecutive points behind the serving of rookie middle blocker Nicole Connolly (San Mateo, Calif.). The Huskies regrouped to snap the sting of Pride points and stayed ahead the rest of the set. The third set was another hard-fought set with the home side maintaining another slim lead through most of the set.

Sophomore setter Megan Nilson (Granby, Conn.) quarterbacked the Huskies offense with 26 assists. Junior outside hitter Renee Trottier (Biddeford, Maine) had a match-high 12 digs and three kills while junior middle hitter Jessica Garrett (Las Vegas, Nev.) had three kills and served up three aces.

For the Pride, Connolly led the offense with nine kills and a .529 attack percentage (9-0-17). Freshman Sydney Trusty (Durham, Conn.) had eight kills and dug up eight balls. Rookie setter Tina Lathrop (Houston, Texas) had 25 assists and a team-high 10 digs. Sophomore right side Kristina del Rey (Miami, Fla.) and rookie outside hitter Emily DeBarros (Brockton, Mass.) had five kills apiece.

Regis looks to bounce back with a tri-match on Saturday at Simmons College (10:00 a.m.) along with Framingham State University (12:00 pm.).

 Release courtesy of University of Southern Maine Sports Information