The Middlebury volleyball team improved to 2-0 in NESCAC play with a four-set triumph over Trinity on Saturday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• With the Bantams clinging to a slim 14-13 lead in the opening set, a kill by Caroline Byrne sparked four-straight points for the Panthers to jump ahead 17-14.
• Middlebury maintained the lead until the hosts knotted the frame at 25-25, followed by an ace by Bella Nash that put Trinity on the doorstep.
• Gabby Pribisich brought life to the Panthers with a kill to tie the set at 26 apiece. Lauren Baxter and Ava Tuccio closed the opener with a service ace and a block, respectively, to grab a 27-25 victory in the stanza.
• Middlebury raced out to a quick 15-3 lead to begin the second frame. Pribisich led the charge with three successful attacks.
• The Bantams responded with seven of the next 10 points, capped by kills from Sarai Davis, to cut the deficit to 18-10.
• Trinity could not get any closer in the set, as Campbell Bartley and Pribisich combined for a block to seal the second frame, 25-15.
• Ahead 11-6 in the third stanza, an attack error and successful swing from Pribisich bookended a 7-2 surge for the visitors, knotting the set at 12-12. 
• The Bantams responded with nine of the next 10 points to make the score 22-14.
• Middlebury rallied, cutting the deficit to 23-22 before Trinity held on for a 25-23 win to force a fourth frame.
• Tied at 6-6 in the fourth set, a kill by Byrne kicked off a 10-3 run to put the Panthers ahead at 16-9. 
• Trinity rallied with a 12-4 surge to take a 21-20 edge with a successful swing from Emma Ewart.
• Middlebury held its course by claiming the final five points to secure the fourth set 25-21. 

NOTES

• Pribisich tied her career-best with 13 kills. She also paced the Panther attack with a .355 hitting percentage.
• Annabella Rando was one of five Middlebury players to tally double-digit digs in pacing the team at 22.
• The Panthers have won 14 consecutive contests against Trinity dating back to 2012.
• Middlebury improves to 2-0 in league play for the third time in the last five seasons.

The Panthers continue their five-match road swing against Skidmore on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.