Competing at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in Atlanta, GA, the New York University women's volleyball team swept both of its opponents and has advanced to the Championship Final against host Emory University.

The Violets, 28-4 this season and ranked #7 in the nation, opened play on Friday with a 3-0 victory over Brandeis University before shutting out Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) 3-0 in the semifinals.  

After breezing to a 25-11 first-set win over Brandeis, the Judges gave the Violets all they could handle in set two, extending it to a 35-33 final. The third set was also close, with NYU ending the match with a 25-21 victory.

Against CWRU, the Violets were again tested. NYU won the first two sets by scores of 25-14 and 25-18 before outlasting the Spartans 33-31 in the finale.

"I think our team is really foraging their bonds and it really showed today in their confidence to attack and play lights-out defense against both of our opponents," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "Our players responded really well by matching Case Western's confidence and focusing on our NYU brand of volleyball."

Haley Holz combined for 31 kills in the two matches, hitting .379 vs. Brandeis and .310 against CWRU. She also contributed a total of 12 digs and four service aces.       

"I'm so happy with how the team played today," Holz said. "We all really connected and were able to push through the matches, especially in those sets that went above 30 points."

Lindsey Hirano was stellar on defense for the Violets, compiling 23 digs in the win over CWRU and totaling 31 for the afternoon. She completed a double-double against CWRU with 11 assists.

"The matches today displayed the level that our team is able to play at. It was truly a team effort," Hirano said. "In order to close out sets like we did, it takes grit, stamina and heart."

The Violets will face #5-ranked Emory at 1:00pm on Saturday.