NORTHFIELD, VT. –Norwich University got the final week of the 2011 regular season off to a strong start with a three-game sweep of in-state rival Castleton Oct. 26.
The Maroon and Gold, improving to 14-9, toppled the Spartans 25-12, 25-18, 25-12. Senior middle April Byllaardt (Stormville, N.Y.) led the charge with 11 kills. Sophomore middle hitter Quinn Duffy (Colchester, Conn.) added eight kills and a .538 attack percentage. Coach Amanda Cuiffo's team also received a team-best three service aces from Duffy, while senior outside hitter Brittany Palmer (York, Pa.) chipped in seven digs.
NU wraps up the regular season by taking on Anna Maria and Regis Colleges of Massachusetts Saturday, Oct. 29. Matches are slated for 12, 2 and 4 p.m. inside Andrews Gymnasium.
NOTES: Byllaardt's 11 kills marked the 11th time overall and third match in a row in which she's been in double figures. … Duffy's eight kills and three service aces were single-match highs for the sophomore. … Fans, friends and alumni can check out live video of Saturday's 12 p.m. match against Anna Maria at http://www.nsnsports.net. … Middle hitter Ivana Batur (Zagreb, Croatia), Byllaardt and Palmer will be recognized during Senior Day 2011 festivities prior to the tri-match. … Norwich enters the weekend having won three in a row and six of its last nine.