Box Score vs. Montclair State University

Box Score vs. Albion College

Official Tournament Page

For the third consecutive year, the New York University women's volleyball team won its season-opening Labor Day Invitational. On day two of the tournament, held at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan on Saturday, September 3, the Violets defeated Albion College and Montclair State University.

In the tournament final, the Violets (4-0), ranked #21 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Preseason Poll, swept Montclair State (3-1) 25-22, 25-11, 25-15. The victory gave first-year NYU head coach Jolie Ward four straight wins to start her Violet career. 

“With a very young team, I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish,” Ward said. “This was the first time many of them experienced playing at a collegiate level. It was great to see many of the things we work on in practice every day pay off in the matches.”

The first set against Montclair State was a back-and-forth battle, with the score being tied at 21-21. The Violets earned the set victory with three straight kills from Kolby Warren, Alex Mao and Jenn Korte.

NYU kept the momentum going into the second set, beginning with a 9-3 run. Sarah Buckingham led the way, hitting .600. The Violets kept control of the set, winning 11 of the next 12 points.

The third set was also close, as NYU led by only two, 10-8. However, the Violets' strong offense propelled them to win the next six points. Stephanie Yetter had two aces, both during the six-point run, while Laurie Goodman dished out 12 assists in the set.

To get to the finals, NYU had to get past Albion. The Violets defeated the Britons (3-0) 25-8, 25-11, 25-18, while hitting .383 for the match.

Buckingham concluded her collegiate debut with the Tournament MVP accolade. Over the course of the weekend, she tallied 49 kills and averaged 4.08 kills per set.

Alex Mao was an All-Tournament Team selection for NYU, as well. She finished the tournament with 43 kills and 40 digs.

The Violets return to action on Friday, Sept. 9, at 4:00 pm against SUNY Cortland at the Nazareth Golden Flyer Invitational.