BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University volleyball team continued its strong North Atlantic Conference run on Friday night, defeating Thomas College 3–1 inside Newman Gymnasium.
The win improved the Eagles to 7–16 overall and 5–1 in NAC play, maintaining their hold near the top of the league standings.
After dropping the opening set, Husson found its rhythm behind a balanced attack and timely defense, taking the next three sets to seal the victory.
The Terriers (6-13, 4-3 NAC) came out strong in the first frame, using early service pressure and a steady offense from Lindsay Pool and Addison Lebel to build a cushion. Despite a late push from graduate student Julia Leavitt and junior Janna Preskorn, who each tallied kills to narrow the deficit, Thomas held on to take the opener.
The Eagles regrouped quickly in the second. Sophomore Mikayla Gray's serving run—including an ace—and freshman Kate McPhee's spark off the bench helped Husson jump ahead early. Preskorn orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out assists to Leavitt and Gray as the Eagles' hitting percentage climbed to .235 for the set. A late block from junior Alana Peruti and McPhee sealed the frame and evened the match.
The third set featured one of the tightest battles of the season, with 16 ties and nine lead changes. Leavitt and Gray came up clutch late, each recording key kills to push Husson ahead after fending off multiple set points. Preskorn capped the comeback with a perfectly placed set that Peruti converted for the winning point.
Momentum stayed with the Eagles in the fourth as Leavitt and Gray continued to find gaps in the Terrier defense. Gray led the way with 13 kills and 16 digs, while Leavitt matched her with 14 kills and two solo blocks. Sophomore Kimberly Daniels delivered timely swings down the stretch, and Preskorn's service ace pushed Husson ahead for good before Gray finished it with one last kill to close the match.
Husson outhit Thomas .137 to .083 and posted 54 kills, 8 service aces, and 7 total blocks. Preskorn recorded a double-double with 13 kills, 24 assists, and 11 digs, while Gray added 13 kills and 16 digs. Leavitt's 14 kills and two blocks led all hitters. Daniels contributed five kills and a service ace, and senior Leah Peloquin anchored the back line with 16 digs.
The Eagles will be back on the floor next weekend to close their regular season with a trip to Vermont for matchups at Vermont State University Johnson on Friday and Vermont State University Lyndon on Saturday.
