SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Western New England College women's volleyball team opened its 2006 season with a pair of victories at its own Invitational Friday (Sept. 1) defeating Colby-Sawyer 3-1 and Massachusetts College 3-0 in pool play.

Charlie Haer won his head coaching debut when the Golden Bears downed the Chargers by the scores of 29-31, 30-25, 30-24, and 30-26.

Senior outside hitter Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH) recorded 21 kills in the two matches, including 11 vs. Colby-Sawyer. Freshman outside hitter Rachel Cervone (West Springfield, MA) also had 11 kills against Colby-Sawyer in her collegiate debut while senior defensive specialist Kristin Wellen (Marlboro, MA) compiled 14 digs in the opener against Colby-Sawyer. 

Action continues Saturday with seven matches in the round-robin event.

Pool A - Western New England College, Colby-Sawyer, Massachusetts College
Pool B - Westfield State, Keene State, Minnesota-Morris

Results from Friday, September 1
Western New England College 3, Colby-Sawyer 1 (29-31, 30-25, 30-24, 30-26)
Minnesota-Morris 3, Westfield State 1 (27-30, 30-17, 30-17, 30-19)
Western New England College 3, Massachusetts College 0 (30-8, 30-23, 30-8)
Keene State 3, Minnesota-Morris 0 (30-21, 30-16, 30-24)

Schedule for Saturday, September 2
9:00 a.m. - Court 1 - Colby-Sawyer vs. Massachusetts College
9:00 a.m. - Court 2 - Keene State vs. Westfield State
11:00 a.m. - Court 1 - Cross-over semifinal match, 1A vs. 2B
11:00 a.m. - Court 2 - Cross-over semifinal match, 1B vs. 2A
1:00 p.m. - Court 1 - Third-place match
1:00 p.m. - Court 2 - Fifth-place match
3:00 p.m. - Court 1 - Championship match

Past WNEC Invitational Champions (Runners-up)
2005 - Plymouth State (Amherst)
2004 - Amherst (Plymouth State)
2003 - Amherst (Westfield State)
2002 - Plymouth State (Western New England College)
2001 - Williams (Plymouth State)