The New York University women's volleyball team saw its 2016 season come to an end with a four-set loss to Swarthmore College in the semifinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Championship in Annville, PA, on Sunday, Novemner 13.

The Violets (18-17) were able to capture the first set 25-23, but lost a tight second set 30-28. After that, it was all Swarthmore (26-5) as they won the final two sets 24-12 and 25-14.  

The Violets erased a five-point deficit in the opening set. Trailing 18-13, they rallied to tie at 21-21 and got the clinching point on a block by Kelsey Kraetz.

NYU took a four-point lead midway through the set second, but found themselves trailing 24-21. However, the Violets scored the next four points and found themselves serving for the match. NYU could not close the deal, however, and after four more ties Swarthmore claimed the set.

"Losing that second set really deflated us," admitted Head Coach Jolie Ward. "Swarthmore gained confidence and we played more defensively and less agressively."

Sets three and four lacked the drama of the first two, as Swarthmore won both and advanced to the finals.    

FINAL SERVES:

- Gretchen Cash led the Violets with 10 kills. Rayne Ellis had nine and Caroline Rapp had eight.

- Katie Goyette finished with a match-high 28 assists.

- Grace Napolitano's 18 digs led all players.

- NYU has now posted a 124-92 record in Ward's six seasons at NYU.

"I thought we finished the season strong and put ourselves in a position to win a championship," Ward said. "The outcome isn't what we wanted, but making postseason was a great opportunity for us."