WALTHAM, Mass. – Freshman Lulu Pavan and sophomore Sophia Poehlein each put away 16 kills to lead the Bentley volleyball team to a 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-12, 25-16) win over Saint Anselm Friday evening. It was the first Northeast 10 match of the season for both teams.

Pavan's kill total against the Hawks (6-5, 0-1 NE10) was a season best. She has at least 10 kills in nine matches this season. Pavan attacked at a .433 clip in the win, adding four aces and a couple of blocks.

The Falcons (10-4, 1-0 NE10) began the match by running out to a 7-2 lead. Saint Anselm leaned on one of its strengths – serving – to overcome the early deficit. The Hawks entered the match as the top serving team in the NE10 (in terms of aces per set).

St. Anselm went on an 8-2 run, including two aces, to take a 12-9 lead in the opening set. The Hawks held for the 25-23 win.

Bentley was in complete control for the final three sets. After hitting 0.300 in the opening frame, the Falcons hit .438 in the second, and .591 in the third.

Elena Coban, who has been battling injury, made her first appearance of the season. She entered the contest in the fourth set and recorded two kills – including match point.

Sasha Luzina led all players in digs with 17, and Tory Vitko eclipsed 40 assists for the fourth time this season by totaling 43.

Bentley has little time to rest as it hosts Southern New Hampshire Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m.