Lancers Hold Strong, Sinking Vikings For Pink Out Game Win

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Volleyball team (4-14, 1-2) is back on home court in conference action tonight as they host Salem State in a Friday night battle on Brissette.

Final

Worcester State: 3

Salem State: 1

How it Happened:

The Worcester State volleyball team put together a strong all-around performance Friday night at John P. Brissette '88 Court, earning a 3–1 MASCAC victory over Salem State (25–21, 25–19, 18–25, 26–24).

From the opening serve, the Lancers set the tone with crisp defense and steady offense. The first set was a back-and-forth battle, highlighted by key plays from senior Cassandra Millea (Orange, CT) and sophomore Beatrice Gamboa-Estrella (Simi Valley, CA). Worcester maintained composure late and closed the frame on a 4-point run to take it 25–21.

The momentum carried into the second set, where strong serving from Kaitlyn Anthony (Gastonia, NC) and smart setting from senior Michelle Iannacito (Bronx, NY) helped Worcester build an early lead. The Lancers' front line, led by first year Reece Connors (Fresno, CA) and senior Paige Thomason (Hudson, MA), kept the pressure on at the net, pulling away for a 25–19 win and a commanding 2–0 match advantage.

Salem State battled back in the third, taking advantage of a few Lancer miscues to capture the set 25–18. But Worcester refused to let the Vikings gain full control. In the fourth, both sides traded points in a tense frame that featured six ties and saw the energy in the gym spike with every rally. With the set knotted at 24, Worcester held firm, sealing the 26–24 win and the match on a clutch finish from Connors off another precise Iannacito assist.

Gamboa-Estrella led Worcester with 12 kills and 19 digs, while Connors added 13 kills and 15 digs. Iannacito fueled the offense with 37 assists and chipped in five digs and an ace. Defensively, sophomore Katherine Crateau (North Andover, MA) and Anthony combined for 24 digs, while sophomore Alexia Mitchell (Pawling, NY) added three service aces off the bench.

What's Next:

The Lancers (5-14, 2-2) remain on the conference trail as they head to Mass. Maritime next Tuesday night for 7pm meeting with the Buccaneers.