In a women's volleyball match between two of the top Division III teams in New England, Middlebury proved too strong for Plymouth State, defeating the host Panthers in a four-set match at Foley Gymnasium.
Middlebury narrowly took the first two sets, 25-23 and 26-24. PSU came back to win the third set, 26-24, but the visitors put the match away with a 25-21 decision in the fourth set. Middlebury, which is ranked ninth in New England, improves to 15-4, while PSU, which is ranked 11th in New England, drops to 24-3. Plymouth State also had its perfect record in home matches halted, dropping its first match in nine outings.
Jane Handel and Julia Gibbs led Middlebury with 16 and 13 kills, respectively, while each one also recorded three service aces. Elissa Goeke led the defense with five blocks, including three solo blocks, while classmate Caroline Cordle topped the team with 16 digs. Lauren Barrett (Medfield, Mass.) finished with 41 assists.
