STANDISH, Maine – Bates volleyball extended its hot start to the 2025 season with a pair of straight-set victories on Saturday, defeating host Saint Joseph's College of Maine and Wellesley College in non-conference action at the Harold Alfond Center.

The Bobcats (5-1) had to dig deep in the opening set to edge the Monks, 25-23. Bates found its rhythm from there, dominating the second set, 25-11, before completing the sweep with a 25-15 third-set win.

Sofia Castiglioni (Jr.) hit an impressive .545 with six kills while Ami Evans (Sr.) also floored six kills in the win. Kate Norry (So.) and Anaïs Reneaum (So.) added five kills apiece. Nora Gilmer (So.) dished out 14 assists in the win, seconded by Lauren Croom (So.) and her 11 helpers. Malina Young (So.) tallied 12 digs to lead the defense.

Bates carried its momentum into the nightcap, jumping out to a 10-5 lead in the first set and cruising to a 25-14 win. The Bobcats kept their foot on the gas in the second frame en route to a 25-16 victory. Bates never trailed in the third set, thanks to an 11-2 run, and closed the match with a 25-19 decision.

Norry led the way with seven kills on .286 hitting, while Young added six kills and Reneaum chipped in five. Evans provided a spark at the service line with four aces, and Croom tallied 16 assists and 11 digs for her first career double-double.

Bates, off to its best start since 2019, will now prepare to open NESCAC play on Friday with a 7:00 p.m. visit to Amherst on the slate.