WEST HAVEN, Conn. – After a pair of five-set semifinals, it will be an all Northeast-10 final to determine a champion of the East Region on Saturday night as top-seeded New Haven will host sixth-seeded American International with the opening serve from Charger Gymnasium slated for 7:00 p.m.

New Haven battled back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a five set victory and their 22nd overall appearance in the East Region Championship match. Overall, the Chargers enter tomorrow's title match looking to secure their 14th final eight appearance in program history.

Leading the Blue and Gold to their eighth five-set victory in as many matches was senior middle blocker Alex Bussey (Atlanta, Ga./Pace Academy) who hammered 16 kills a season-best and one shy of her career-high. Her team-leading 16 kills came on a .355 attack percentage as she was one of four players in double figures. Bussey also led the Chargers blocking efforts as she contributed to six of New Haven's nine total blocks.

Joining Bussey in leading the Chargers offensive efforts was senior outside hitter Caroline Martins (Tres Pontas, Brazil) who finished with 15 kills and completed her 10th double double of the season with 13 digs. The 15 kills for Martins is also her 12th straight match in double figures offensively. Sophomore outside hitter Kali Greathead (Temecula, Calif./Temecula Valley) and senior middle blocker Lexis Peterson (Windsor, N.Y./Windsor Central) capped off the New Haven players who registered double figures with 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Greathead also completed a double double on the night as she led the Chargers defensively with a career-high 26 digs.

Utilizing a 6-2 offensive set, both of New Haven's setters closed out the night with a double double, making it for New Haven players total to double up. Graduate student Annika Hacker (Bayreuth, Germany/Littleton (Colo.)) led the pair in the assists column with 29 helpers to go along with 18 digs, while junior Kristine Rios (Miami, Fla./Coral Reef) also finished with 18 kills while she provided 28 assists. Junior libero Lindsey Kim (Rye Brook, N.Y./Blind Brook) capped off the Blue and Gold's defensive leaders as she compiled 14 defensive stops.