Hamilton College's Kate Carman '24 racked up a team- and season-high 21 kills as the Continentals defeated the Utica College Pioneers 3-1 in their 2021 home opener on Monday evening at Hamilton's Margaret Bundy Scott Field House.

The Continentals had a 58-28 kill advantage and recorded a .277 hitting percentage as they improved to 3-1 overall. Utica, a member of the Empire 8 Conference, dropped to 1-6 overall this season.

Hamilton took the first set, 25-17, behind 15 kills to Utica's nine while posting a .184 hitting percentage to the Pioneers' .125.

Utica took the second set 25-21 with their highest hitting percentage of the match of .143.

The Continentals came back to win the next two sets, 25-17 and 25-19, and recorded their highest hitting percentage of .393 in the fourth set.

Summer McClintic '24 recorded 13 kills and 15 digs. Cece Nourie '25 had a team high 16 digs, Deirdre Corrigan '23 chipped in 14 digs and Chiara Morley-McLaughlin '24 added eight kills. Melissa Morelli '24 handed out 47 assists and Drew Stimson '25 led the defense at the net with three blocks.

Hamilton will open NESCAC play on Saturday, Sept. 18 when the Continentals head to Hartford, Conn., to play Trinity College at 1 p.m.