Saturday, September 17, 2011(Newton, Massachusetts) - In the final match of Saturday's Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) tri-match in Newton, Massachusetts the Mount Ida College women's volleyball team swept visiting Suffolk University 3-0 by scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-23 capturing their first conference bid of the season. 

The Mustangs, who dropped the opening match against visiting GNAC foe St. Joseph's College (ME), split the day's competition improving to 5-5 overall with a 1-1 conference slate.  The visiting Rams fell in both matches today slumping to 2-9 for 2011 standing at 0-4 in conference play.

Although the scores were close, Mount Ida held their composure throughout the match to snatch the conference victory. 

Mount Ida was led offensively by junior hitter Jennifer Ferreira (Shirley, MA/Ayer) with 10 kills.  Senior captain and setter Cody Fusco (San Francisco, CA/San Francisco Waldorf) dished out 15 assists as well.  Freshman Shay Collins (Londonderry, NH/Londonderry) added three service aces during the contest. 

Mustang senior captain Rachelle Gilbert (Corunna, IN/Dekalb) had an unbelievable day, not only offensively, but in the back row recording 45 digs against the Rams and another 46 in game one against the Monks for an impressive 89 total digs on the day.

For Suffolk, there were three different players with seven kills a piece in freshman Maria Marcellino (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream), senior Melissa Griffin (Byfield, MA/Our Lady of Nazareth), and freshman Tori Brilland (North Andover, MA Central Catholic).  Sophomore setter Sarah Arbogast (Chesterfield, MO/Marquette HS) dished out 15 assists as well. 

The Mustangs will stay home and are back in action on Thursday against visiting non-conference Curry College with game time slated for 6:00 p.m.