BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Less than 24 hours after Friday's four-set setback to Tufts University, Bates College women's volleyball was back at it Saturday afternoon for a non-conference tri-match with Westfield State University and the University of New England (hosted by UNE).
The Bobcats opened the event by cruising to a smooth 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-14) victory over WSU (4-9).
Bates looked to be on its way to a second sweep on the day, defeating the host-Nor'easters in the first two sets of the nightcap (25-16, 25-20). UNE had other ideas, however, as the home team stormed back to stun the Bobcats with dynamic wins of 25-23, 37-35, and 15-13 over the remaining frames to steal the non-conference victory.
Sofia Castiglioni led the way for the garnet and white in the victory vs. Westfield State as the sophomore landed 10 kills and recorded a .444 hitting percentage.
Nora Gilmer followed with nine kills for the Bobcats.
Skye Higashihara dished 31 assists and fired off a career-high eight service aces in the effort.
Sami Kim paced Bates with 13 digs.
In the nightcap vs. UNE (11-3),
Ami Evans and Castiglioni smashed team-leading totals of 15 and 13 kills, respectively.
Malina Young enjoyed a breakout performance as the first-year collected 12 kills for the garnet and white. Higashihara authored her third double-double of the campaign with 41 assists and new personal-best 22 digs.
Sami Kim settled 19 digs.
Logan Yogi collected 12 digs of her own in the five-setter.
Bates will now catch its breath before returning to action Friday evening with a NESCAC showdown at Middlebury College slated for 7:00 p.m.
