Worcester, MA --- Host Clark got 27 assists and 10 digs from sophomore Rachel Spera (North Hollywood, CA) and the Cougars knocked off crosstown rival WPI 3-1 in four games to open up NEWMAC play in women's volleyball action on Tuesday evening. 

The Cougars have now won four straight after an 0-2 start, while the Engineers slip to 4-3 overall. Two of Clark's four wins during their recent stretch have now come against WPI following Saturday's win over the Engineers in the championship of the Worcester City Tournament. 

After a hard-fought game one went to Clark (26-24), the Engineers bounced back to take the second (25-21). Clark, however, proved to be too much, taking games three (25-19) and four (25-18) to win their league opener for the second time in three years. 

Neither team was especially effective hitting as WPI (.124) amassed 24 errors, while the Cougars (.188) collected 15 of their own. 

The Engineers were led by Belinda Nwagbara (Santa Rosa, CA), who registered a match-high ten kills and seven digs, while Joan Porambo (Jim Thorpe, PA) added a match-best 22 digs.  Alex Rangel (Weston, FL) handed out a team-best 20 assists. 

In addition to Spera, Clark got production from Amira Tranchell (Falmouth, MA) and Kristin McGinty (Vail, CO), as the duo combined for 17 kills. 

WPI wastes little time getting back on the court as they visit Lesley on Wednesday at 7:30pm.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday with a pair of matches at MIT. They will face the host Engineers in a NEWMAC contest at 1100am and then square off with Simmons at 1pm.

Release courtesy Clark Sports Information