Worcester, Mass. - Sophomores Bailey Sarber and Elyssa Dorenfeld combined for 19 kills to push WPI to a hard-fought 3-0 victory over visiting Clark Tuesday evening in the NEWMAC opener for both squads. 

The Engineers are now 10-1 overall for the second straight season and 1-0 in conference action while Clark slips to 3-2 on the season and 0-1 in NEWMAC play.

The 25-23, 25-22, 27-25 win for WPI avenges a three-set loss to the Cougars in Sunday's championship match of the Worcester City Tournament at Assumption.

Alyssa Fidanza led WPI with a .714 hitting percentage, amassing five kills in seven attempts without an error.  Joan Porambo notched 14 digs, while Dorenfeld contributed 11 to go along with her eight kills. 

Kim Woodward handed out 23 assists for the hosts and freshman Holly Ganser registered four blocks.

After WPI sprinted out to a 14-3 advantage in the third set, the Cougars clawed back and leveled the score at 20-20. Sophomore Kerrin Beovich rattled off four points on her serve only to see the Cougars fight off four match points.  At 26-25, Woodward set up Sarber for her 11th kill of the match to seal the win.

Clark was paced by senior Maritza Fair (Bronx, N.Y.) with 14 digs and eight kills. Freshman Rachel Spera (North Hollywood, Calif.) aided the team with 23 assists. Junior Kortney Kelley (Barnstable, Mass.) amassed 10 digs and classmate Kristin McGinty (Vail, Colo.) had three blocks and four aces.

The Engineers host Wellesley Saturday at 1pm in NEWMAC action.  Clark entertains Rivier and NEWMAC foe MIT for a tri-match Saturday at 11am.

Release Courtesy Of WPI Sports Information