LEWISTON, Maine – The Bates College women's volleyball team opened the 2025 season in style Wednesday night, sweeping the University of Southern Maine 3-0 (25-21, 25-10, 25-16) in Alumni Gymnasium. The victory marked the first career win for new head coach Carissa Bradford.

Bates (1-0) hit an efficient .337 as a team, led by Sofia Castiglioni's 10 kills on a blistering .615 clip. Ami Evans dominated at the service line with eight aces and added nine kills without an error, finishing with a match-high 18.5 points. Anaïs Reneaum contributed eight kills while leading the blocking effort with three solo blocks and two block assists.

The Bobcats set the tone in the opening set with 16 kills and a .333 hitting percentage, pulling away late to take the frame 25-21. Bates cruised to a 25-10 second-set win behind a near-perfect .583 attack percentage.

Setter Lauren Croom orchestrated the offense with 20 assists and two aces, while libero Ellie Asada anchored the defense with a match-high 16 digs.

USM (0-4) remains winless with the road defeat.

Bates now turns its attention to a busy Saturday, hosting a tri-match at Alumni Gym. The Bobcats face Keene State at 11 a.m. before taking on the University of New England at 3 p.m.