LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College women's volleyball moved to a perfect 3-0 to start the fall campaign as the Bobcats secured victories over Keene State College and Dean College in a Saturday tri-match in Alumni Gym.

Bates, taking on Keene State in the event's first match of the day, coasted to victories of 25-11 and 25-18 vs. the Owls. Owning a 21-13 cushion with its sights set on a sweep, the Bobcats unraveled in the third frame as Keene State fired off a 12-0 surge to stun the home team with the 25-21 win.

The garnet and white bounced back to seal the victory, scoring a 25-12 decision in the fourth-and-final stanza.

Emma Patard paced all players with her match-best nine kills. Skye Higashihara authored her first-career double-double with 28 assists and 10 digs. Kate Hansen and Ellie Asada floored five and four service aces, respectively. The Bobcats also earned 10 blocking assists and a trio of solo put-backs.

In the nightcap, there would be no funny business for the Bates this go-around as the garnet and white dismissed Dean (1-3) with straight-set marks of 25-15, 25-16, 25-20.

Katie Kortekaas crunched a match-high nine kills for the Bobcats. Higashihara distributed another 27 helpers for the victors. First-year libero, Sami Kim, added 10 digs, five aces, and a sextet of service aces in the victory. Ami Evans fell just short of her own double-double with 12 digs and eight kills.

Keene State defeated Dean, 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-15) in the afternoon's second contest.

Bates will next take the floor Wednesday evening as the Bobcats trek north to take on Maine Maritime Academy at 6:00 p.m.