LEWISTON, Maine – Bates College pushed visiting Middlebury in the opening and closing sets, but the Panthers came away with a 3–0 victory (25–23, 25–15, 25–23) in NESCAC volleyball action Friday night at Alumni Gym.

The match marked the first home competition for the Bobcats since defeating Maine Maritime Academy back on Sept. 9.

Owning a 14-5 lead in the third set, Bates could not hold onto to its seemingly hefty surplus as Middlebury scorched the home team for a 15-5 run of its own to take a 20-19 lead in the frame. The Panthers (11-4) closed out the win by edging the Bobcats, 5-4, the rest of the way to remain undefeated (4-0) in NESCAC play and earn a seventh-straight victory.

Anaïs Reneaum led Bates with nine kills on .429 hitting, while Sofia Castiglioni added eight kills and 10 points overall. Setter Lauren Croom paced the attack with 24 assists and five digs, and libero Ellie Asada anchored the defense with 19 digs.

Middlebury countered with a balanced attack, highlighted by Gabby Pribisich's match-high 12 kills on .500 hitting, along with six blocks (four solo).

Bates (6-5, 1-3 NESCAC) returns to the court Saturday afternoon when they host Williams (12-1, 3-1 NESCAC) at 2:00 p.m.