Providence, R.I. – September 11, 2009 – The Springfield College women’s volleyball team opened up the first day of the Johnson & Wales Invitational with a pair of three game sweeps over Keene State and Bridgewater State on Friday evening. The Pride cruised to a 25-11, 25-18, 25-18 victory against Keene State before taking down Bridgewater 25-7, 25-15, 25-12.

The wins now improve Springfield to 6-0 this season. Springfield returns to action tomorrow afternoon when they will play both Connecticut College and host Johnson & Wales.

Leading the way in the win against Keene State was All-American Heather Lively, who totaled 12 kills in the match. Sarah Lang-Rodean posted an 11-kill, five-ace performance, including a string of four-straight aces in the third game. Kelsea Hellyar tallied 33 assists directing the Pride attack, while Cassie Seymour notched 12 digs on the defensive side of the ball. Lauren Torvi chipped in with three block assists and Kim Giaquinto added a block assist and a solo stop.

Springfield made quick work of Bridgewater State as Torvi registered a team-best 11 kills, while Giaquinto added eight kills, including a thunderous kill to end the second game. Hellyar totaled 25 assists and four assists in the match, while Bethany Stosz provided the Pride with a presence at the net as she finished the match with a pair of solo blocks.