BOSTON – The Simmons volleyball team split Saturday afternoon's tri-match at nearby Emerson College with a 3-0 sweep of UMaine-Presque Isle, before falling to the, host, Lions, 3-0.

Vs. UMaine – Presque Isle

In their first match of the day, Simmons received offensive support from its first and second-year classes. First-year Joenissa Ortiz led the Sharks tallying a team-best six kills, while classmate Ava Saltzgiver and sophomore Kat Simeonidis paced the Shark offense with 12 and 14 assists, respectively.

Junior captain Sydney Iannantuono posted a .300 attack percentage, following a five kill on 10 attempt performance against the Owls. Senior Amanda Fortune also hit .300 against UMPI, registering four kills on 10 attempts with one miscue. Junior Jordan Hacker led the way for the Sharks defensively with 11 digs.

Vs. Emerson

The Shark veterans powered the offensive in their second match of the day against Emerson. Iannantuono, senior Krissy Lloyd and Parnell each recorded five kills against the Lions as Saltzgiver once again guided the offense with seven set assists.

In addition, Saltzgiver came three assists (7) and digs (7) shy of recording her first double-double of the season, while sophomore Claire Conners was a force at the net, tallying two of the Sharks four block assists.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Sydney Iannantuono combined to register 10 kilsl on the day against UMPI and Emerson.
• Ava Saltzgiver nearly notched her first double-double of her collegiate career, tallying seven assists and seven digs against Emerson in the day's latter contest.
• Jayla Parnell led the Sharks defensively with 20 digs – 11 against the Owls and nine against the Lions.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the hardcourt next Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11 at the Trinity Tournament. The Sharks first match will be against Westfield State at 5 p.m.