The New York University women's volleyball team started the Ithaca Invitational with a 3-1 loss against the #20 ranked Ithaca College on Friday, September 19, in Ithaca, NY.

The Violets fell in four sets, losing the first two sets 25-19 and 26-24 before winning the third set 25-23. Ithaca closed the match out in the fourth set winning 25-19.

In the first set, the Violets struggled to swing, only hitting .051 in the set. Ithaca recorded three blocks and three aces and held NYU at arms length for most of the set, even after a late Violets push. In the second set, NYU held a 24-22 lead, but could not hold on as the Bombers battled back to take the set and jump out to a 2-0 lead. 

The third set was the bright spot for the Violets, as they hit a game high .242 in the set, resulting in 13 kills. Grace Nelson led the way with five kills in the set, while Coco Barton added three of her own. The Violets could not push it to five as Ithaca wrapped up the match going on a 6-2 run to end the fourth and final set.

"It was a tough battle. The team did a good job at taking our strategic adjustments and trying to implement them but Ithaca showed more fight," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "We need to turn the page on this tough match but really lock into what we control on our side of the net."

Nelson led the team with 19 kills. Barton and Jessica Spierenburg tied for second with seven. Barton also led the team in blocks with four, with Spierenburg right behind her with three. Ava Launsbach led the team with 18 assists and both Alden Roberts (9) and Jessica Ding (8) contributed as well.

"Kaitlyn Sato did a great job coming into the match late and helping settle our team down on defense. So did freshman setter Ding at leading us to a set three victory."

The Violets return to action tomorrow when they complete play at the Ithaca College Invitational. NYU will face Smith College at 12:45pm, and then Swarthmore College at 3:00pm.