From NYU Athletics

The New York University women's volleyball team returned to Kean University on Friday, September 8, for its first two of four matches at the Cougar Classic in Union, NJ.

NYU (2-5) dropped its opening match in four sets (25-16, 25-22, 25-27, 25-14) to the host Cougars (2-3). After falling behind 2-0, the Violets pulled out a tight third set when Kelsey Kraetz blocked a Kean attack attempt. NYU rode the momentum into the fourth set, but with the score tied at 11-11 the Cougars rattled off eight straight points and the Violets were unable to come back.

In its second match of the day, NYU bounced back with a five-set victory (26-24, 20-25, 25-16, 21-25, 15-7) over SUNY Plattsburgh (2-3). The match was back-and-forth throughout, before the Violets dominated the final frame en route to their second win of the season. Rayne Ellis finished the match with a career-high 20 kills to go along with five digs and a pair of service aces. 

NOTABLES:

- Kraetz and Ellis each recorded four blocks against Kean.

- Grace Napolitano (12), Kate Glavan (11) and Zel Fortson (11) each collected double-digit digs vs. the Cougars. 

- Katie Goyette tallied a season-high 34 assists in the win against the Cardinals, while teammate Nazzerine Waldon tied her career-high with 28 digs.

- The match vs. Plattsburgh St. was NYU's first five-set match of the season. Last season, the  Violets were 2-2 in matches that went the distance.