KEENE, N.H., 9/2/10 – The Keene State College women's volleyball team opened up its season with a 3-1 non-conference victory over Colby-Sawyer College at Spaulding Gym on Thursday night.

The Owls won the first two closely-contested games by the scores of 25-22 and 26-24. The Chargers overcame a 17-10 deficit to win the third game 25-22.

Keene State built up a 20-5 lead on a put-back set by sophomore Emily Halbert (Long Valley, N.Y.) on the way to taking the fourth game 25-8.

Keene State coach Bob Weiner said the key to the win was the Owls' passing and defense.  "The combination of senior Jamie Levine (Medfield, Mass.) and sophomore Kristen Girard (Tivoli, N.Y.) was terrific on the outside," he said.  "They have worked in our system and did a nice job adjusting on the fly." 

Girard, who returned to the team after attending a community college last year, led KSC with 13 kills, three service aces, and 15 digs.  "It was amazing to be back," said Girard.  "As soon as we got our first game nerves out to the way, we were able to play our game."

Levine chipped in with 11 kills, and 12 digs and junior Madison McHugh (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) finished with nine kills.

Senior Michelle Doody (Franklin, Mass.) had a match high 19 kills to go with 15 digs to lead CSC.  Freshman Courtney O'Hara (Mystic, Conn.) had eight kills and freshman Ally Le-Bruno finished with a match high 21 digs.

"It was nice to get the first win under our belt," said Weiner.  "I think this victory will give us a head of steam going into the weekend."

Keene State is at the Gordon College tournament on Saturday. Colby-Sawyer returns home for a tri-match with Minn.-Morris and Plymouth State on Sunday.