The United States Merchant Marine Academy women's volleyball team continued its strong start to the 2026 season Saturday, defeating Suffolk University 3-1 at Kings Point. The Mariners controlled the opening two sets, winning 25-15 and 25-20, before Suffolk responded with a 25-23 victory in the third. USMMA quickly regained control in the fourth set, closing out the match with a 25-16 win to improve to 2-0 on the season.
USMMA's offense was led by a highly efficient performance from Anna Kelly, who recorded nine kills while hitting .778 and added nine digs and four service aces. Madison DuBose also made a major impact with a .429 hitting percentage and a match-high six aces, while freshman Kailey Miller contributed five kills on six swings without committing an attack error. Savannah Smith helped orchestrate the offense with a team-high 17 assists.
The Mariners finished with a significant statistical advantage, recording 59 kills compared with 25 for Suffolk and hitting .264 as a team. USMMA also held advantages in assists, 58-22, and service aces, 12-3, while Suffolk's eight blocks were its biggest statistical edge. After dropping the third set, the Mariners responded immediately in the fourth, using their offensive efficiency to close out the 3-1 victory before later sweeping Saint Elizabeth in straight sets during the same tri-match