'KEENE, N.H. 11/5/03 - The sixth seeded Keene State women's volleyball team hopes for the Little East Conference title were crushed as they lost 3-2 to number three seed University of Southern Maine in a first round match in Gorham, Maine on Wednesday. 

The match scores were 30-15, 26-30, 30-27, 28-30, and 15-9. 

Sophomore middle hitter Shelly Ellis (Hampton, N.H.) had 11 kills, one assist, three aces, 24 digs, and one block to lead the Owls.  Freshman outside hitter Genna Florkowski (East Northport, N.Y.) added 10 kills, one assist, two aces, and 23 digs, while sophomore setter Lauren Graham (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) finished with 31 assists, four aces, three kills, and two blocks. 

The Owls finish out the season 10-16 overall, while the Huskies improve to 19-11.  

Southern Maine advances to the semifinal round where they will play number two seed Plymouth State University at number one seeded Western Conn. State University on Saturday (2:00 p.m.).  Number four seed Rhode Island College defeated number five seed Eastern Connecticut State University 3-1 in the opening rounds, and will face off against Western Conn. in the semifinal round on Saturday (4:30 p.m.).