By John Garner Jr., Cape Cod Times

One of the main bright spots for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy women’s volleyball team has been the standout play of freshman outside hitter Marie Harrison.

For the first time in the program’s history, a Buccaneer player was named MASCAC Rookie of the Week for the Bucs last week after Harrison averaged 11 kills and 12 digs in four contests, including career-high 17 kills and 11 digs in 3-1 loss to Lyndon State. She added 14 kills and 13 digs in 3-2 to Becker and 12 digs and nine kills in 3-1 loss to MCLA.

“I’m proud of Marie,” said MMA head coach Melanie Appleman. “(She) chose Mass. Maritime because of the challenge and opportunities our culture presents young adults and has fully committed to leadership training and high academic standards.”

An international maritime business major, the Weymouth native ranks second on the team with 86 kills and 162 digs, and third with 12 service aces.

“Marie has stepped up big-time for us on the court from day one. She shows heart and resilience in her work ethic and determination. Her enthusiasm and volleyball IQ have led to competitive matches and rallies.”

Despite the loss to MCLA, Harrison enjoyed a production day with 12 digs, nine kills and a pair of set assists, while fellow freshman Michelle Sheehan chipped in with nine set assists, five kills and three digs. Freshman Christina Ruggeri of Bourne and senior Charleen Klangos each notched 13 digs and three kills for MMA, which received eight digs and five assists from senior Emma Ethier.

Harrison totaled five digs and two kills in a 3-0 loss at Framingham State as Klangos notched 11 digs and four kills. Senior Emma Ethier chipped in with six assists and five digs, while Ruggeri recorded a match-high 13 digs for the visitors.

Earlier this month, Klangos was named to the MASCAC Honor Roll after earning All-Tournament honors during the Maritime Classic, recording 17 kills and 17 digs, including seven kills in 3-0 loss to SUNY Maritime. She had 14 kills, six digs and five service aces in 3-2 win over Pine Manor and totaled 36 kills, 33 digs, seven service aces and three blocks in five contests.

On campus

Senior football co-captain Bryan Hardy (Barnstable) was named to the Northeast-10 honor roll following the Bentley’s win over Merrimack. A linebacker, Hardy had a season-high 15 tackles against Merrimack and added another nine in Saturday’s 28-0 win over Pace. He leads the team with 51 tackles (24 solo).

Fifth-year senior Matt Montalto (West Yarmouth) has switched from quarterback to running back for Bentley. The former D-Y standout started nine games in 2015 before being injured and has rushed for 88 yards and scored two TD’s, while returning 11 kicks for 278 yards (25.3 averageg).

Former Pope John Paul II standout Billy Satkevich (Bourne) is a junior wide receiver for Bentley.

Jack Fallon of (Yarmouth Port) is a freshman linebacker for RPI. The 5-10, 230-pound business management major has helped Engineers to a 3-2 start, including a win at Norwich.

Senior Erin Gendreau (Sandwich) scored three goals, including game-winner with five minutes left, to lead the Salve Regina field hockey team to 4-3 victory over Lasell.

Massachusetts Maritime junior goaltender Mike Pruchnik was named MASCAC Soccer Player of the Week. Pruchnik stopped 16 shots as he recorded his first career shutout with 10 saves in 1-0 victory at Worcester State. He has a 2-0 record, 0.33 GAA and 21 saves for .955 save pct.

Hard-driving MMA junior running back Richie Phillips was named the MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week for second time in three weeks after Bucs’ 32-14 victory over Worcester State.

Phillips totaled 222 all-purpose yards, including 143 rushing yards on 32 carries, and three touchdowns on runs of four and 37 yards to go with 74-yard TD reception.

(Photo Credit:  Justin Reidy '19)