Hartford, Conn. – For the second consecutive year, the Clark University volleyball team went a perfect 3-0 at the annual Trinity College Invitational. After getting a win over Westfield State on Friday night, the Cougars returned on Saturday to take down Eastern Connecticut State and the host Bantams.

Game Information

Score Match 1: Clark 3, Eastern Connecticut 1 (19-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-20)
Score Match 2: Clark 3, Trinity 0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-21)
Records: Clark 6-3, Eastern Connecticut 7-2, Trinity 1-2

How It Happened:
After dropping the first set against Eastern Connecticut State, the Cougars never lost another, taking six straight sets to dispatch of both the Warriors and Trinity.

In the showdown with ECSU, Ana Mercado (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) led the way with 14 kills but it was Marina Ramos (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) who stuffed the stat sheet with 13 kills, a season-best 24 digs and three service aces.

Additionally, Rachel Webb (Celina, Texas) dished out 36 assists while adding nine digs and Courtney Pharr (Seattle, Wash.) chipped in with seven kills on .467 hitting to go along with five digs and three block assists.

Then in the 3-0 blanking of the Bantams, the Cougars didn't really hit their offensive stride until the third set when they hit .296 but the match was already well in hand by that point.

Ramos registered another double-double, totaling 11 kills and 15 digs on .375 hitting. Mercado proved to be an excellent sidekick in this match as well, posting six kills.

The Cougars as a team only had 23 kills overall but they were strong defensively, with Mia Cattaneo (Santa Barbara, Calif.) ending with 14 digs and Savannah Sanford (San Anselmo, Calif.) adding 11 of her own.

Coach Speak:
"To get two wins back-to-back against very good teams showed our mental toughness and perseverance," said Clark head coach Mickey Cahoon. "Very proud of our team."

Up Next:
Clark after an extended stay away from the Kneller Athletic Center, the Cougars return home on Tuesday to host Smith College in the NEWMAC opener. First serve is slated for 7:00 p.m.