RINDGE, N.H. (Oct. 29, 2004) – The Franklin Pierce volleyball team defeated neighboring Keene State College 3-0 (30-19, 30-10, 30-18) in non-conference competition this evening at the Northfields Activity Center. With the victory, the Ravens reached .500 for the first time since they defeated Southern New Hampshire in their second match of the season. Their overall record now stands at 11-11. The Owls dropped to 9-13 overall following the loss.

Franklin Pierce overpowered Keene State, taking all three games. Sophomore outside hitter Christina Collett (Tombstone, Ariz./Tombstone) led the Ravens with eight kills, while senior middle hitter Briana Bates (Belmont, N.H./Endicott College) tallied seven kills. Freshman setter Bria Williams (Chino Valley, Ariz./Chino Valley) directed the offense, totaling 17 assists and four aces, and Tara Vece (Clinton, Conn./Morgan School) racked up 19 digs on the defensive end.

The Owls received a solid contribution from freshman Kelly Yankowski (Turners Falls, Mass./Turners Falls), who posted seven kills and seven digs. Freshman Ashley Brock (Rochester, N.H./Spaulding) chipped in with nine digs and five kills, while junior Shelly Ellis (Hampton, N.H./Winnacunnet) had 14 assists and nine digs for the visitors.

Franklin Pierce (11-11, 6-7 NE-10) will take the court again on Tuesday when they host UMass Lowell in their Northeast-10 Conference finale at 7 p.m. Keene State (9-13, 3-4 LEC) returns to action on Wednesday when they take on Plymouth State in the first round of the Little East Conference Tournament at 6 p.m.