(Box Score) 

            PLYMOUTH, N.H. - The Plymouth State University women's volleyball team improved its record to 23-1 Wednesday evening with a 3-0 victory over Norwich University in non-conference action at Foley Gymnasium.

            The Panthers, who are ranked eighth in this week's New England Division III poll, extended their winning streak to seven matches.  PSU is also unbeaten at home this season (8-0). Norwich, which lost to Plymouth State in the first round of last year's ECAC New England Tournament, drops to 12-10 this season.

            Senior Carly Newton (Centerville, Mass.) led the way for the Panthers, making 12 kills with a .556 attack percentage (12-2-18).  Sophomore Meghan Sullivan (Marlton, N.J.) added to the offense with eight kills and a team-high four service aces, and senior Eliza Badeau (Foster, R.I.) chipped in with seven kills.  Sophomore Alex Avery (Milton, N.H./Nute) led the defense with eight digs, and senior setter Brianna Kleckner (Terryville, Conn.) finished with 30 assists.

            Junior Thea Evans (Glencoe, N.M.) topped the visitors with six kills, and classmate Molly Rice (Sunapee, N.H.) registered 12 assists, seven digs and three service aces.

            Norwich kept the first set close, and trailed 15-10 before PSU rattled off 10 of the next 13 points to win 25-13.  The Cadets were close again in the second set, trailing 18-15 before the Panthers pulled away to a 25-15 verdict.  PSU took a 10-6 lead in the third set and never looked back, finishing off the Cadets with a 25-14 decision.           

            PSU returns to the court Saturday in Holyoke, Mass., where they will play Mount Holyoke College and Smith College in the Little East Conference/New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference Challenge.  Norwich plays again Saturday at Suffolk University against Suffolk and Albertus Magnus. 

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