WEST HAVEN, Conn. – A strong closing burst to finish the second set enabled the University of New Haven to open a 2-0 lead and the Chargers went on to defeat Bentley University in three sets in Northeast-10 Conference women's volleyball at Charger Gymnasium Saturday evening. The scores were 25-21, 25-22 and 25-16.

The second set comeback proved pivotal as the Falcons were poised to even the match at one set apiece, leading 21-18. However, New Haven charged back to score seven of the final eight points and instead of being tied, owned a 2-0 lead. The comeback included two kills by junior Caroline Martins (Tres Pontas, Brazil) and an ace from sophomore Lindsey Kim (Rye Brook, N.Y.).

The Falcons had a chance in the opening set despite falling behind 7-1 early. Bentley got within one, 21-20, before the Chargers strung together three straight points to regain control, a rally that was launched by a service error.

Senior Meghan Kennelly (Detroit, Mich.) led New Haven with 13 kills and 11 digs, and Martins followed with ten kills. The Chargers totaled 80 digs, including 31 from freshman libero Charleigh Crews (Naples, Fla.).

Senior Lauren Van Buren (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa HS) had her sixth double-double of the season for Bentley, finishing with 10 kills and 11 digs. Junior Shannon Kelly (Hyde Park, N.Y./Franklin D. Roosevelt HS) led the Falcons with 21 digs and freshman Rachel Bruno (San Diego, Calif./Frances Parker HS) had four blocks.

The loss dropped Bentley to 10-16 overall and 7-5 NE-10, putting the Falcons in sixth place with two matches left. New Haven moved into a tie for second at 9-2 conference and 14-7 overall.

Bentley will also be on the road Tuesday night, with a 7 pm match at Assumption.

Due to home football, next Saturday's scheduled home match against American International will now be played Thursday at 7:30.