It looked early as if the Mount Holyoke College volleyball team would earn a win on its brand new playing surface inside the Kendall Sports & Dance Complex. The Lyons cruised to a 25-18 first set win over UMass Boston on Wednesday night in South Hadley, but they dropped the next three en route to a 3-1 defeat.
Before the match, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place to celebrate the new renovations to Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium inside the sports complex, which included a repainted and sanded floor, new bleachers on both sides as well as updated graphics and branding.
The inspiration behind Mount Holyoke’s project was “enhancing the student experience,” and it certainly seems like that’s going to be the case moving forward inside the beautiful facility.
As for the match, Ellie Rimando led the Lyons with 13 kills on Wednesday, while Madeline Barton put down seven and Olivia Murray (six) and Elanni Romero (five) combined for 11. Sadie Duffrin’s passing skills were on display with 31 assists, while Kyra Staples’ defensive prowess led her to 15 digs.
Staples also had two aces and Duffrin added two aces and 11 digs as well for Mount Holyoke.
The Lyons (5-3) are right back in the comfort of their new home on Saturday when they host a doubleheader against Simmons University at 11 a.m. and Fitchburg State University at 3 p.m.
