The
seventh-ranked New York University Women's Volleyball team captured the 2023 University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship, winning their second in the last three years. The Violets came out victorious against fourth-ranked host and defending UAA Champion Emory University in a 3-2 battle on Saturday, November 11, in Atlanta, GA.
NYU came into the tournament as the #2 seed and faced #1 seed Emory for the title match. The two teams have played each other 27 times since 2001, with Emory taking 23 of those meetings.
"Today was such a resilient effort from our side, especially with the slow start adjusting to Emory's powerful offense," said Head Coach
Andrew Brown. "But, our team continues to make strong adjustments."
Emory got off to a quick start in set one, going up 6-0 before NYU got on the board. The Eagles held a 19-8 lead, but the Violets' 13-2 scoring run tied the set. Two back-to-back service aces from
Dominique Drust and a combined block by
Haley Holz and
Leela Anvekar secured set one 25-22.
NYU then took set two, 25-16, only trailing after the first point. Two ties ensued before the Violets ran off with the game, keeping at least a two-point lead the rest of the set.
The Violets got on the board first in set three, with three quick points, including a service ace by
Grace Nelson. However, a 12-2 scoring run in favor of Emory gave them a seven-point lead which they never relinquished. NYU battled back, defending match-point twice. But, Emory was able to take set three, 25-15.
Emory also won set four, 25-18, to even up the match. There were five ties, but the Eagles' seven-point scoring run gave them a substantial lead. NYU fought back, bringing it to a three-point game. However, a Violet service error at match point gave the set to Emory.
The final set was tied six times, and the lead shifted three times. Down 13-11, NYU scored four straight to secure the fifth set and win the match, 15-13.
"Our team stayed very confident moving into the second half of the match even though Emory was able to continue to make changes," Brown added. "But, going into the fifth set I felt really confident and comfortable with our players and their grit and determination to fight."
Holz led the Violets with 18 kills, Nelson followed with 14 and
Camille Nazor had nine.
"I am so proud of the team today. We walked into the gym excited to play, knowing that Emory was going to give us a fight but confident that we could do it," Holz said. "Everyone gave everything that they had and it is definitely a game we won't forget."
Ava Launsbach led in assists with 32, while Drust followed with 16.
Elise Curtin, Holz, and Anvekar each had five blocks.
Ella Weider added three.
"I thought today was amazing because the team just wanted it so badly," Weider said. "We fought for every single point, and I thought everyone on the court played so well. i'm so proud of us for winning after coming so close last year."
Lindsey Hirano led with 27 digs.
"I'm so proud of this team and our captains," Brown offered. "They work so hard day in a day out and earn every result they achieve. We will enjoy this moment and get right back to work Monday as we prepare for NCAA's."
With the win, the Violets secured an automatic bid and will be heading to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. Play begins Thursday, November, 16, at a yet-to-be-determined location.
