The New York University women's volleyball team, ranked #23 in the nation by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, opened its 2025 home season with a 3-0 victory over Gallaudet University on Friday, September 5, on the first day of competition of the NYU Home-Opener Invitational at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. 

The Violets (2-2) swept the Bison (2-3) by scores of 25-20, 25-17, 25-19.

The match was played before a huge crowd of over 700 spectators, including NYU President Linda Mills, as NYU celebrated "Tear it Up!" Night.

The first set was tied 5-5 when the Violets went on a 4-0 run to grab the lead for good. Gallaudet pulled within 16-15, but never got any closer.

The Bison scored the first point of the second set, but that was their only lead as the Violets countered with a 9-2 streak to grab an advantage they would never relinquish. 

Gallaudet took three early one-point leads in the final set, and there were nine ties, the last one at 15-15. At that point, a kill from Coco Barton and a Bison attack error put NYU in front for good.

"I think we did a great job going out there and just showcasing our very talented team in a home-opener environment," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "Gallaudet did a really good job at just being consistent and we had to earn points in order to win sets on our side. And I think we did a good job at just adaptability. I think it showed that we have some really strong upperclassmen, some leaders who were here last year that are able to really kind of step up and fill that role this season." 

Chloe Hynes led the Violets with 17 kills, while Grace Nelson added nine. Both Ava Launsbach (24) and Alden Roberts (11) had double-digit assists, with Felicia Wu leading the way with eight digs. 

"Whenever we needed a point offensively, it just seemed like Chloe Hynes' name was called and she scored," Brown added. "She was lights out, giving us 17 kills on 24 attempts, hitting 625. That's probably a career best for her. But it just shows how much faith and confidence our team has in her, which is just super exciting to see this early in the season." 

The Violets return to the court tomorrow for a pair of contest as the NYU Home-Opener Invitational continues. NYU hosts Susquehanna University at 12:30pm and Stevens at 5:30pm back at the Paulson Center.