CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Freshman J'ena Baker (Rockledge, Mass.) notched a career-high 25 kills as the Nichols College volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Pine Manor College 3-2 Thursday night in non-conference action.
 
Sophomore Sabrina Boermeester (Billerica, Mass.) chipped in with 11 kills as the Bison won game three 25-14, game four 25-23, and game five 15-10. Baker, meanwhile, finished with a .314 hitting pct., nine digs, and three service aces. Freshman Jayla Simmons (Rockledge, Fla.) collected 22 digs and three assists while senior Monica Pucko (Gardner, Mass.) tallied four blocks (two solo), four kills, three service aces, and two digs. Freshman Megan Gardner (South Deerfield, Mass.) handed out 39 assists.
 
Freshman Viyanni Johnson (Las Vegas, Nev.) led the Gators with 12 kills to go along with 10 digs while junior Ashley Whiteshield (Seward, Alaska) notched 10 kills. Freshman Kendra Williams (San Diego, Calif.) had 10 digs, seven kills, and three aces.
 
Nichols began its comeback in set three, posting a .300 hitting percentage behind seven kills from Baker and two form both Pucko and Boermeester. Baker and Boermeester then teamed up for 11 kills in the fourth set to force a fifth and deciding set. The duo each had two kills in the fifth set, and the second from Boermeester closed out the match.   
 
All-Time Series
Tonight's match marked the second all-time meeting between Nichols College and Pine Manor College. The Bison have won both matches this season and lead the series, 2-0.
 
Next Match
Nichols (5-12) – Saturday, October 15 @ Coast Guard, 1:00 p.m.
Pine Manor (2-17) – Saturday, October 15 vs Mass. Maritime, 2:00 p.m.