Liz Leberman '10	Kira Kramlich '10

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Bates College's volleyball team lost its first two matches of the 15th Annual Volleyball Hall of Fame Invitational on Friday, hosted by Springfield, Mount Holyoke and Smith colleges.

The Bobcats (11-15, 2-5 NESCAC) lost to Springfield, ranked No. 4 in New England Division III, by scores of 30-15, 30-27, and 30-16.

Bates was led by first-year outside hitter Liz Leberman (Concord, N.H.) with a team-high nine kills to go along with 12 digs. First-year libero Kira Kramlich (San Francisco, Calif.) led the Bobcats in digs with 13 for the match. Senior setter Katie Graeff (Chevy Chase, Md.) had 20 assists. Springfield senior outside hitter Nicole Curtin (Beacon, N.Y.) led all attackers with 14 kills.

Katie Graeff '07	Beth Billington '09

Bates faced Bridgewater State College and lost for the second time this season in the day's last match at Springfield College's Blake Arena by a 3-1 count (24-30, 30-25, 30-13, 30-28). Leberman and first-year Avery Masters (Mill Valley, Calif.) shared the team lead with seven kills apiece, and Graeff had 29 assists. Junior Jenn Linton (Redding, Conn.) had six kills with three blocks, and sophomore Beth Billington (St. Paul, Minn.) had five kills and four blocks.

Bates will play in the Bronze Bracket on Saturday at Mount Holyoke College, facing Gordon College first. Mount Holyoke and Wheaton (Mass.) are the other teams the Bobcats may face in their subsequent match.

STATS: Springfield 3, Bates 0

STATS: Bridgewater State 3, Bates 1