Lancers Take on Bears in Conference Battle

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Volleyball team (7-16, 3-2), coming off a big come from behind five set win on Thursday, travel to Bridgewater State today for a crucial post season determining battle with Bridgewater State. 

Final

Worcester State: 0

Bridgewater State: 3

How it Happened:

Worcester State showed determination and energy throughout Saturday afternoon's MASCAC matchup, battling host Bridgewater State through several close rallies before ultimately falling in straight sets (13–25, 16–25, 23–25) at the Tinsley Center.

The Lancers opened the day with early momentum in the first set, taking a 2–0 lead behind a kill from senior Cassidy D'Esposito (Medford, NY) and steady serving from senior Michelle Iannacito (Bronx, NY). Sophomore Beatrice Gamboa-Estrella (Simi Valley, CA) and senior Cassie Millea (Orange, CT) each found early kills to keep the set tight before the Bears used a mid-set run to pull away.

In the second set, Worcester found their rhythm offensively, posting an improved .125 hitting percentage as D'Esposito and Gamboa-Estrella combined for several timely kills. Sophomore Katherine Crateau (North Andover, MA) directed the attack with 11 assists in the set, while senior Kate Stedronsky (Sea Girt, NJ) and senior Paige Thomason (Hudson, MA) contributed strong play at the net, including a key block that sparked a mini run midway through.

The third set was Worcester's best stretch of the afternoon, as the Lancers battled point-for-point with Bridgewater in a frame that featured ten ties and five lead changes. Worcester's serving came alive behind Crateau and Millea each delivered multiple aces, while Gamboa-Estr added one of her own. D'Esposito tallied four kills in the set as Worcester surged late, trimming a 21–18 deficit to 23–22 before the Bears narrowly closed out the match.

D'Esposito led the Lancers offensively with nine kills and a .296 hitting percentage, while Gamboa-Estr added seven kills and ten digs. Crateau paced the setting effort with 11 assists and 19 digs, and Millea chipped in with seven digs and two service aces.

Worcester finished the match with 26 total kills, 62 digs, and seven service aces, showing flashes of strong two-way play as they continue to develop consistency across all rotations.

What's Next:

Worcester State (7-17, 3-3) is back in action next Wednesday when they host Fitchburg State at 6pm.