Rindge, N.H. – The University of New Haven volleyball team dropped its Northeast-10 Conference opener in four sets (25-12, 19-25, 19-25, 15-25) on the road at Franklin Pierce on Saturday afternoon. The Chargers were led by junior outside hitter Meghan Kennelly (Detroit, Mich./Eisenhower) who finished with a match-high 15 kills.

With the loss, New Haven falls to 8-6 overall and 0-1 in the Northeast-10, while the Ravens improve to 8-5 overall and 2-0 in the league.

Kennelly closed out the day with a double double, finishing among the defensive leaders with 12 digs, while also adding three total blocks. For the match, the Detroit, Mich. native hit .107 with nine errors in 56 attempts.  

Joining Kennelly in leading the offense was Kristen Lee (Colorado Springs, Colo./Liberty) and Damianis Eusebio (Miramar, Fla./University School) who each finished with eight kills, while Micki Impellizeri (Seaford, N.Y./St. Anthony's) chipped in seven. Among the leading hitters, Impellizeri led the way with a .211 hitting average with three errors in 19 attempts.

Freshman setter Kristine Rios (Miami, Fla./Coral Reef) closed out her first collegiate Northeast-10 match with 34 assists, while leading the Chargers with a pair of service aces and finishing among the defensive leaders with 13 digs.

Sophomore libero Devin Smith (Middletown, N.Y./Pine Bush) led New Haven's defensive efforts with 24 digs, her seventh match of the season with 20 or more digs. Senior Caprisha Richards (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands/Antilles School) and Lee rounded out the leading stoppers with 17 and 16 digs, respectively. On the blocks, Kennelly's three total blocks were tied with Alex Bussey (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) for the team lead. Among the two, Kennelly finished with two solo blocks and Bussey added one.

The Chargers continue their Northeast-10 schedule on Tuesday night when they travel crosstown to take on the Southern Connecticut State Owls. Opening serve in the rivalry match is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Moore Field House.