The New York University Women's Volleyball Team, ranked #19 in the nation by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), raised its 2021 record to 10-0 with a straight-set victory over Hunter College on Wednesday, September 22, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility in Brooklyn, NY.
NYU was tested most of the evening, but still posted the 25-9, 25-23, 25-17 over Hunter (2-3).
"Coming out of the UAA weekend the team was working really hard in practice and it was an opportunity for everyone to get in," said Head Coach
Andrew Brown. "We did some good things at some good times tonight."
NYU opened the match with a 4-0 run and utilized a 10-0 streak to grab a 19-3 lead en route to the first-set victory. Eight different Violets had at least on kill in the opener, led by three each from a pair of Ellas (Weider and Spaethling).
The second set was much more competitive. After the Violets raced out to a six-point lead, 11-5, the Hawks produced a 10-2 run and took a 15-13 lead. Still trailing 19-17, NYU went back into the lead with a 5-0 run. The score was tied 22-22 and 23-23 before
Haley Holz (Palatine, IL/Palatine) clinched the set for NYU with consecutive kills.
The Violets again had to make a comeback in the final set. Trailing 12-6, NYU went on a 9-3 run to tie the set 15-15. Behind 16-15, the Violets ended the match on a 10-1 streak to keep their undefeated season alive.
Weider led the way with eight kills, while
Haley Holz (Palatine, IL/Palatine) added seven.
Nicole Dao (Bethesda, MD/The Academy of Holy Cross) (12),
Dominique Drust (Coto de Caza, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) (12) and
Lizzy Kemp (Perrysburg, OH/Perrysburg) (11) each had double-digit assists, while
Lindsey Hirano (South Pasadena, CA/South Pasadena) had a match-high 11 digs.
"They put some pressure on us, but our players handled some adversity and even from behind we were able to come back and close out the sets, which is important," Brown added. "It shows a lot of growth and confidence."
The Violets return to action this Saturday, September 25, when they travel to Galloway, NJ, for a tri-match hosted by Stockton University. NYU faces the host Ospreys at 11:00 am, then play against Lycoming College at 1:00 pm.
