From NYU Athletics
The New York University women's volleyball team captured first place after finishing a sweep at the New York Region Challenge by defeating both SUNY Cortland and the Rochester Institute of Technology on Saturday, October 28, at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.
The Violets (10-20) also defeated Nazareth College on Friday en route to winning all three of their contests over the weekend.
NYU, one of three teams to post perfect 3-0 records at the competition, was awarded the title for allowing the least amount of points (209). The Violets edged out 3-0 Clarkson University, which allowed 211 points. SUNY Fredonia (238 points allowed) also went 3-0.
NYU opened Saturday's play by defeating Cortland in four sets (27-25, 15-25, 25-15, 25-23) before posting a straight-set victory over RIT (25-20, 25-20, 25-23).
In the opening match, the teams battled into overtime in the first set before the Violets eeked out the victory. The Red Dragons (13-16) got even in the second set before NYU regained the momentum and captured the final two to claim the victory.
"The team hunkered down defensively in sets three and four," explained Acting Head Coach Karl France. "They really composed themselves and we started to make better connection from defense to offense."
In their second match, the Violets trailed by two points on several occasions in the first set before utilizing a late 7-1 run to take the opener.
NYU trailed by as many as three points in the second set. However, with the score tied 18-18, the Violets used a 7-2 streak to end the set.
In the final set, NYU trailed by four points on a pair of occasions before rallying to finally tie at 21-21.However, after again falling behind 23-22, the Violets scored the final three points and clinched the victory on an attack error by the Tigers (14-18).
"We had great attacking from Lauren Ward (7 kills) and Caroline Rapp (match-high 12 kills) in our sceond match," France said. "They were both excellent, and our defense and blocking were very, very good."
STATS RIGHT:
- Rayne Ellis' 24 kills topped NYU on the day. Rapp chipped in with 18 and Nazzerine Waldon added 14.
- Zel Fortson (22) and Katie Goyette (17) led the Violets in assists vs. Cortland, while Daryl Mitchell was tops with 31 against RIT.
- Jacqueline Kupeli (17, 12) posted double-digit digs in each match.
The Violets, who have won six of their last seven matches, conclude the 2017 season at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship next weekend. Emory University will host the event on Friday and Saturday, November 4-5, in Atlanta GA. NYU, seeded #7, will face #2 Washington University in St. Louis at 12pm on Friday.
"I'd like to see a continued strong effort on the defensive end while also continuing to attack and score in transition," France relayed. "We need to defend and play the way we have lately and maybe we can shock some people."