Lancers Claim Crucial Sweep over Falcons

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Volleyball team (7-17, 3-3) looks to bounce back in conference after a tough loss last Saturday over Bridgewater State. With two conference matches remaining, the Lancers are looking to shore up their post season seeding with a win today over the Falcons.

Final

Worcester State: 3

Fitchburg State: 0

How it Happened:

The Worcester State Lancers returned to John P. Brissette '88 Court determined to bounce back after a tough match this weekend, and they did just that with a commanding 3–0 sweep over the Fitchburg State Falcons (25–16, 25–21, 25–22) in MASCAC play on Wednesday night.

The first set saw the Lancers come out sharp, feeding off early energy from the home crowd. Senior  outside hitter Cassidy D'Esposito (Medford, NY) set the tone with three straight kills early to give Worcester a quick lead they would never surrender. Senior Cassandra Millea (Orange, CT) followed up with an ace to stretch the lead, while senior Paige Thomason (Hudson, MA) added multiple key kills at the net. The Lancers' efficiency on the attack of a .407 hitting percentage and strong serving, highlighted by an ace from first year Reece Connors (Fresno, CA), helped them control the pace. Once Worcester reached 18 points, they shut the door, finishing the set 25–16.

The energy carried over into the second set, as Worcester raced out to a 3–0 lead behind a service ace from senior Michelle Iannacito (Bronx, NY) and a well-placed kill from D'Esposito. The Falcons kept things close with back-and-forth rallies, tying the score multiple times mid-set, but the Lancers' discipline proved the difference. Sophomore Gamboa-Estrella (Simi Valley, CA) notched two clutch kills and an ace during a late run that lifted Worcester to a 24–19 advantage. Despite a brief Fitchburg push, the Lancers' composure sealed the set 25–21, giving them a 2–0 match lead.

In the third, both sides traded points early, with the Falcons taking their first lead of the night. Worcester weathered the surge with steady play from its veterans. D'Esposito and Thomason combined for crucial kills, while Millea stepped up late with back-to-back service aces to push Worcester to match point. Fittingly, Gamboa-Estrella closed things out with her seventh kill of the night to secure the 25–22 victory and the sweep.

D'Esposito led the way with 8 kills on an impressive .462 hitting clip, while Thomason added 5 kills and 2 blocks. Gamboa-Estrella contributed across the board with 7 kills, 8 digs, and an ace, and Iannacito anchored the offense with 15 assists and 2 service aces.

What's Next:

Worcester State (8-17, 4-3) is back for their final tri-match of the season this weekend as they head to Smith to take on Curry and Smith with a 1pm start.