United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Volleyball - Defending Champion Bears Win NEWMAC Opener

SOUTH HADLEY, MASS.--(9/11/07)--Junior All-America Nicole Gurr registered 17 kills, nine digs and three blocks while junior Mary Bitzer added a career-high 13 kills to lead the defending New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season and tournament champion, Coast Guard, to a 3-0 (30-15, 31-29, 30-16) win over Mount Holyoke in the NEWMAC opener for both teams.

After breezing to a 30-15 win in the first game, the Bears fought off an aggressive comeback by the hosts to grab a 31-29 triumph in the second game. From there, Coast Guard cruised, taking the third and final game by a score of 30-16.

Freshman Ashley Bullard had 39 assists to pace the Bears offensive attack. Coast Guard also received a boost from sophomore Leanna Minton, who had 13 digs.