North Dartmouth, MA - The Nazareth Women's volleyball team opened its 2025 season on Saturday afternoon, falling in three straight sets to UMASS Dartmouth (25-16, 25-11, 25-17) in non-conference action. The loss drops Nazareth to 0-1 on the season, while the Corsairs improve to 2-0 on the year.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
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Nazareth got off to a slow start in the first set as UMASS Dartmouth came out strong, hitting .361 as a team. The Golden Flyers battled defensively behind junior libero Jenna Mattison, who collected five digs, but the Corsairs pulled away to take the opener, 25-16.
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The second set saw continued struggles for Nazareth offensively as the team hit 0.00 with six kills and six errors. UMASS Dartmouth took advantage of several extended rallies and converted on key points to win the set 25-11.
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In the third, the Golden Flyers showed more cohesion, with kills from sophomore Alana Lucey and senior Leah Fusilli helping Nazareth stay within reach. A defensive spark from junior Sara Glose and Fusilli, who each tallied 10 digs in the match, kept plays alive, but UMASS Dartmouth closed out the match with a 25-17 victory.
QUICK FACTS:
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Fusilli led the offense with 10 kills and added 10 digs for a double-double. She also had an ace for a strong all-around performance
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Lucey contributed five kills and two blocks at net
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Freshman Madeline Saunders earned her first collegiate points and dished out 15 assists
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Mattison led the defensive effort with 12 digs
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Junior Lorianna Mattutat and Mattison each recorded an ace for Nazareth
WHAT'S NEXT:
The Golden Flyers will head to Providence, RI on Saturday, August 30 to play Johnson and Wales University and Wheaton College at Johnson and Wales University in a double header. The first serve is scheduled for 12 p.m. followed by the second game starting at 2 p.m.
