By Stephen Monahan
@stephenm330
SPRINGFIELD — With Sara Labadorf getting a rest day, sophomore setter Kayley Cimino saw her name penciled into the starting lineup for the first time this season.
Being the starting setter during her freshman year, Cimino felt at ease in the starting lineup, due to her familiarity with her teammates.
“Everyday in practice I am playing and setting with the same people,” said Cimino. “We know how to play together, so I went in there confident and having trust in my teammates.”
She would go on to provide 20 assists in relief of Labadorf, as the Springfield College women’s volleyball team defeated Mount Holyoke in straight sets at Blake Arena on Tuesday to improve their record to 18-2 on the season.
Coming into the game, the Pride came off of a straight set victory against Westfield State and was looking to improve their winning streak to eight games.
Mount Holyoke was looking to change their fortunes around, as they were coming into the game off of a three sets to one lost against Western New England University.
Jen Donnelly and Katie vonKampen contributed four kills each in the first set, as the Pride took the set, 25-14.
Springfield’s defense stymied Mount Holyoke in the second set, by holding them to a -.056 hitting percentage. The Pride would go on to take the second set by a commanding score of 25-6.
Springfield would ride their momentum into the third set, as they would take the set 25-15 and the match to secure the sweep.
The Pride’s defense shined throughout the match, as they held Mount Holyoke to a team hitting percentage of .000.
Jen Donnelly lead the way for the Pride’s front line with 12 kills on 19 attempts.
As Springfield starts a two week road trip, they are looking to grow from their previous road trip, which accounted for their only two losses this season.
“We want to continue to layer and layer what we are doing offensively and defensively,” said head coach Moira Long. “We also want to continue growing from past experiences and take away something from every match.”
The Pride will look to continue their momentum on the road, as their road trip starts at UMass-Boston this Saturday, at 11 am.
Featured photo courtesy of Jack Margaros