PLYMOUTH, N.H. — The Bates volleyball team struggled to find its offensive rhythm Saturday afternoon, suffering a 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-17) non-conference defeat to Plymouth State University at Foley Gymnasium.
The Bobcats dropped to 11-7 overall, while the Panthers improved to 16-4.
Sofia Castiglioni led Bates with seven kills, while Anaïs Reneaum added six kills on 13 attempts for a team-best .308 hitting percentage. Elle Faris and Jordan Blackburn contributed five kills apiece, with Faris also recording three service aces.
Alice Fischer distributed 10 assists, while Lauren Croom added nine. Logan Yogi led the Bobcats with nine digs, followed by Malina Young with seven.
Plymouth State established control early, hitting .481 with 14 kills and just one attack error in the opening set to secure a 25-19 victory. Bates improved offensively in the second, hitting .281 with 13 kills, but the Panthers maintained their advantage with a .306 hitting percentage to claim a 25-18 decision.
The Bobcats struggled in the third, committing nine attack errors and hitting just .029 as Plymouth State completed the sweep with a 25-17 victory.
The Panthers finished with a decisive .308-to-.158 advantage in hitting percentage, committing just nine attack errors compared to 18 for Bates. Plymouth State also held an 8-4 edge in service aces.
Sya McKay led the Panthers with a match-high 12 kills and a .429 hitting percentage, while Sydney Riley added six kills. Alexa Marucci contributed four service aces, and Christa Imbriano collected a match-high 12 digs.
Bates now looks ahead to Friday when the Bobcats host Bowdoin at 7:00 p.m. in Underhill Arena for a highly-anticipated NESCAC showdown.
