SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Eleven different players had at least one kill as a balanced Union College attack helped the Dutchwomen return to the win column with a 3-1 (25-18, 15-25, 25-11, 25-21) victory over Castleton University in non-conference action on Wednesday night at the Viniar Athletic Center.
 
Junior Julia Webster led the attack with eight kills, while sophomores Nikki Newcomer and Keara Page both added seven kills apiece. Junior Haley Kresch had an excellent all-around effort with five kills, 34 assists, two aces, two blocks and six digs, while classmate Meredith Blinn led the squad with 19 digs.
 
After the Spartans scored the first two points of the night, Union rattled off 13 of the next 17 to take an 13-6 lead in the opening frame. The home team needed only three kills the rest of the way from Webster and sophomores Morgan Bohlke and Caroline Fraser to take the early advantage.
 
Castleton played nearly flawless volleyball in the second set, recording nine kills without an error in evening the match with a 25-15 win. But Union responded with its most efficient set of the match in the third, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead and never allowing the visitors into the frame. Up 13-7, Union picked up seven straight points to take complete control.
 
The home team closed out the match with a game-high 15 kills and .289 hitting in the fourth frame. Only five Union points came from unforced Castleton errors, with Page and Webster leading the team with four kills apiece in the final set. After Castleton took its last lead at 16-15, the Dutchwomen closed on a 10-5 run to finish the set and the match.
 
Union will remain at home this weekend for the Union/Russell Sage Crosstown Challenge, beginning with one match against SUNY Oneonta on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Viniar Athletic Center.