LEWISTON, Maine -- In the first-ever matchup between the two programs, Bates College welcomed Division II Saint Michael's College to Alumni Gym Friday where the visiting Purple Knights defeated the Bobcats, 3-0, in women's volleyball action.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Saint Michael's first-year head coach Lauren Brough as the former Bobcat volleyballer returned to her alma mater for the first time since graduating as a member of the Bates College Class of 2019. Student-athletes from the current Bates roster presented Brough with assorted gifts (including her garnet #14 jersey) during a special exchange prior to the match. 

The visiting Purple Knights collected their second win of the season (2-5) with wins of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-19 to secure the road triumph. Bates falls to 2-6 with the setback.

Grace Almeida (Fy.-Clifton Park, N.Y.) and Dana Welch (So.-Howell, N.J.) headlined the St. Michael's offense with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Almeida also authored a hitting percentage of .455 (2 E, 22 TA) in a solid display of efficiency for the victors.

Ella Patterson (So.-Folsom, Calif.) floored six kills while also landing five service aces for the Purple Knights. Alexandra Báez Rentas (Jr.-San, Juan, P.R.) recorded a double-double in the win with 33 assists and 12 digs. Kyla Farnan (Fy.-Phoenix, Ariz.) also settled 12 digs on the night.

Sofia Castiglioni shined for the Bobcats as the first-year registered nine kills and a stellar .412 hitting percentage (2 E, 17 TA) over her three sets. Katie Kortekaas followed with six kills of her own. Chrissy Chu dished 17 assists for the garnet to lead the team. Logan Yogi topped the 'Cats with a new career-high nine digs.

Bates takes to the road Saturday as they trek to Keene State College for a tri-match vs. Western Connecticut State University (2:00 p.m.) and the host-Owls (4:00 p.m.). The Bobcats dropped a 3-0 decision to WestConn two weeks ago (Sept. 8) in Alumni Gym during the Bates "First Serve" Classic.