GORHAM, ME - Freshman outside hitter Caitlin Cleary (Scarborough, ME) had 10 kills while sophomore middle blocker Jordan Pelczar (Meredith, NH) had an outstanding .700 hitting percentage with seven kills in 10 attempts as the Saint Joseph's College Monks swept the University of Southern Maine Huskies to earn a 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-17) win in a non-conference volleyball match Wednesday evening at Hill Gymnasium in Gorham.

The match was the season-opener for both squads. Saint Joseph's stands at 1-0 with the win and the Huskies begin their 2009 campaign at 0-1. It was the first intercollegiate match for the Huskies since the 2006 season.

Seniors Cassi Sticht (Meredith, NH) and Shannon Shuttle (New Ipswich, NH) paced the Huskies attack with six kills each. Sticht added two solo blocks and a block assist and Shuttle had six digs.

The Monks received solid defensive efforts from freshmen Sarah Hawkes (Pownal, ME) and Kiah Begley (Berwick, ME) and sophomore Kaleigh McHale (Dracut, MA). Hawkes and McHale each had eight digs while Begley had six.

Southern Maine hosts nearby rival the University of New England on Saturday (1:00 PM). Saint Joseph's College will open up with Salem State on Saturday (9:00 AM) in the Pride Invitational tourney at Regis College.

COURTESY OF SOUTHERN MAINE SPORTS INFORMATION