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West Haven, Conn. – The University of New Haven volleyball team cruised to a three-set sweep (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) of the visiting New York Institute of Technology Bears on Thursday night in the final non-conference game of the season. With the victory, New Haven improves to 15-14, while NYIT falls to 23-6.
A pair of Charger hitter combined for 21 kills and just one error with graduate middle blocker Micki Impellizeri (Seaford, N.Y./St. Anthony's) leading the attack with 11 kills and a .667 hitting percentage. She would finish with just one miscue in 15 total attempts, while adding a team-best four blocks. Her 11 kills matches her career-high set previously against Assumption and Merrimack. Joining her in leading the attack was senior outside hitter Kristen Lee (Colorado Springs, Colo./Liberty) who finished errorless in 28 attempts with 10 kills for a .357 average.
As a team, New Haven hit .172 with 33 kills in 99 attempts. Joining in the action was Meghan Kennelly (Detroit, Mich./Eisenhower) who finished with seven kills, while Kristine Rios (Miami, Fla./Coral Reef) and Alex Bussey (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) each added a pair. Rios would close out the match with 28 of the 33 total assists, while her two kills came on five attempts without an error for a .400 hitting average.
Defensively, the Chargers were led by freshman libero Brianna Mirmina (Bethany, Conn./Amity Regional) who finished with 15 digs, while adding three assists and a kill. Mirmina was one of two players who finished with double figure digs, joined by Rios who chipped in 10. Kennelly and Lindsey Kim (Rye Brook, N.Y./Blind Brook) each added eight digs to the defensive efforts.
As a team, New Haven combined for five blocks, led by Impellizeri's four. Rios and Kennelly each added a pair of blocks. The Chargers also finished with five service aces, led by Kennelly who contributed three.
New Haven will close out the regular season on Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Stonehill Skyhawks to Charger Gymnasium. Prior to the match, the Chargers will honor their three seniors, Kristen Lee (Colorado Springs, Colo./Liberty), Caprisha Richards (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands/Antilles School) and Damianis Eusebio (Miramar, Fla./University School). First serve in the regular season finale is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
