Franklin, MA- The 2018 season opener for the Falcons (0-1) was one to remember, as they battled Dean College (1-2) through five sets ultimately taking the hard fought loss, 2-3.  The Dean Bulldogs came out strong taking the first set 25-20 while getting 10 kills and taking advantage of six Falcons errors.  However, the Falcons had an answer in the second set as they tied the match up 1-1, winning 25-16.  Sophomore Maura Lammers (Augusta, GA) helped kickstart the offense in the second set as she had 4 of her 13 kills in the second set.  Dean battled back to take the third set, as Melanie Rios-Nevarez led the Bulldogs to a 25-13 third set win.  With the backs against the wall, the Falcons responded with a 4th set victory over the Bulldogs, 25-18.  Freshman Chyna Carter (Avondale, AZ) contributed to the 4th set victory with 3 kills in the set.  The final set saw four tied scores, but the Falcons could never get the lead as Dean took the victory 15-13 to take the match. 

Senior captain Natie Manalo (San Francisco, CA) led the Falcons in the service game as she had four service aces, while Lia Aime (Las Pierdas, Puerto Rico), and Lammers each played well defensively as they led the team with 20 digs a piece.

The Falcons will look to get in the win column as they head to Pine Manor College this weekend for a tournament with SUNY-Delhi and Pine Manor.  The action begins in Chesnut Hill on Saturday at 1pm.