From NYU Athletics

The New York University women's volleyball team won its first match of 2017, defeating the College of Mt. St. Vincent 3-1 on Wednesday, September 6, in Riverdale, NY.

After dropping the first set 25-22, the Violets (1-4) rebounded to sweep the Dolphins (0-1) over the final three sets by scores of 25-17, 25-12, 25-19.

In recording their first victory of the young season, NYU was able to overcome a first set in which it trailed by as many as eight points (11-3), rallied to take a 14-13 lead, but could not sustain the momentum.

However, the match turned completely around in the second set as the Violets raced out to a 4-1 lead and expanded the advantage to a match-high 13 points at the end.

"We started slowly after a long bus ride, so it was just a matter of shaking off some rust," explained Head Coach Jolie Ward. "We also played a new middle (Michelle Stratford) and the players were just getting used to each other."

The third set featured three early ties before the Violets used a 9-1 run and took the lead for good.

The final set was more challenging as the Dolphins jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Then, with the scored tied 11-11, NYU scored the next three points and held the lead the rest of the way.

"We stayed focused, got into our system and things started to click and fall into place," Ward said.

Kate Glavan (11) and Caroline Rapp (10) each posted double-digit kills for the Violets, while Zel Fortson had a match-high 30 assists.

NET NOTES:

- Nazzerine Waldon recorded a match-high 28 digs.

- Glavan, Rapp and Sabrina Krebs each had two service aces. Glavan also added nine digs.

- Kelsey Kraetz and Stratford each contributed seven kills.

"It was good to get our first win and build confidence," Ward surmised. "We are working and continuing to grow. We'll try and work off this win and continue to get better."