BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Wentworth Institute of Technology women's volleyball team won its conference opener Tuesday evening, coming back to defeat the University of New England in a five set match.

RECORDS

• Wentworth (8-5)
• University of New England (4-6)

WENTWORTH STAT LEADERS:

• Kills – Riley Waggoner, 15; Vivian Goulet, 13; Helen Barthe, 9; Ema Thompson, 9
• Assists – Ashley Cao, 31; Lexi Zabloudil, 9; Jordan Chapman, 7
• Aces – Ashley Cao, 2; Megan Davies, 1; Riley Waggoner, 1; Viviann Goulet, 1
• Digs – Megan Davies, 19; Helen Barthe, 17
• Blocks – Riley Waggoner, 5; Vivian Goulet, 3

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Both teams picked up points early in the first set, but the Leopards were able to grab a 4-2 lead. The Nor'easters answered back with a dominant stretch. The home team won the next 11 points to take a commanding nine point lead. Looking to get back in the set, Wentworth won five of the next six, but UNE responded once again. The home team took the next six points to put the set out of reach, and although the Leopards cut into the lead late, they were unable to make up the deficit and dropped the first set 25-17.
• Looking to avoid going down 0-2 in the match, Wentworth came back with a strong second set. They took an early 7-2 lead and were able to maintain the advantage throughout. The Leopards finished the set by winning 11 of the final 13 points and tied the match at 1-1 with a 25-13 victory.
• Although the two teams traded points in the early going, the Nor'easters were able to open up a big lead midway through the third after going on a 12-1 run. Similar to the first set, the Leopards fought their way back into the set. Following a stretch in which they won nine of 11 points, they were able to shrink the UNE lead down to three points. But the home team picked up the final two points they needed to hang on for a 25-20 victory and take a two sets to one lead.
• Facing elimination following the loss in set three, the Leopards took a small lead starting off the fourth, but neither team was able to create distance as the two squads battled evenly. But the Leopards then took control of the set, winning 12 of 13 points to build a double-digit lead. They kept their lead until the late stages of the set, when the Nor'easters won seven of eight points to get a little closer, but the visitors held off the comeback attempt and closed out the fourth with a 25-18 win, forcing a deciding fifth set.
• Wentworth took a 6-3 lead to start out the fifth and looked to be one their way. UNE then took the next five points to take a two point advantage. Following a service ace to tie the set at 11, the Leopards took a 14-12 lead and were one point away from victory. The Nor'easters then won the next three to earn a match point opportunity themselves. Neither team was able to close the other out, and Wentworth once again won consecutive points to have their chance at victory. UNE stayed alive with a point to tie the set at 15, and following a point by each side, the Leopards were able to pick up two consecutive points to win the set 18-16 and come back to win the match 3-2.

THE SERIES:

• This was the 29th meeting in the series, with UNE holding a 20-9 record.

NEXT UP:

• The Leopards continue conference play Thursday evening, when they are once again on the road to take on Curry College. Match time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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