SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Simmons volleyball (2-1) split in the second day of the Springfield Invitational, falling to Clarkson University 25-15, 25-13, 25-16 but rebounding with their first win of the season against Rhode Island College in a four set showdown, 25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 25-20.

In the first match of the day, freshmen Brittany Hill (Milford, Mass.) and Raeann Nesta (Niantic, Conn.) led the Sharks with a combined thirteen kills. Junior Sandy Lor (Fitchburg, Mass.) posted a team high nine digs and Nesta recorded four blocks to keep the Sharks competitive. But the Clarkson offense was relentless, defeating the Sharks in straight sets.

Against Rhode Island College, the Sharks won the first set with strong offense by Hill and senior Caroline Boyd (Wilbraham, Mass.), who each posted 13 kills during the match. Nesta added 11 more, while senior Rachel Dufault (Westport, Mass.) added a season-high 34 assists.

After dropping the second set to Rhode Island, senior Kelly Last (West Haven, Conn.) led the defense with 13 digs and Boyd added a seven blocks to win the next two sets and give the Sharks their first win of the season.

Simmons returns to the court in their home opener on Tuesday, September 4th at 7:00 p.m. against WPI.