The return to play could not have been sweeter.

The New York University Women's Volleyball Team, back in action for the first time since the 2019 season, looked like it had never left. Coming off two consecutive ECAC Division III Championships, the Violets picked up where they left off with a sweep over Manhattanville College on Wednesday, September 1, at NYU's Brooklyn Athletic Facility in Brooklyn, NY.

"I'm proud to see our seniors get out there and play again," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "They've worked so hard and grown so much with this program. And, even with the time away they've shown how serious they are and committed themselves to the team."

The Violets had little problem capturing the first two sets, winning by scores of 25-11 and 25-16.

However, NYU was tested in the third and fell behind 23-22. But, Ella Weider's (Los Gatos, CA/Los Gatos) kill sparked a match-ending 3-0 run as the Violets posted the season-opening victory.

Newcomer Ella Spaethling (Larkspur, CA/Redwood), a junior transfer from San Diego State University, led the Violets with nine kills while also adding six digs.

"I'm excited to be here. I like this team," Spaethling said. "I'm very happy with my decision. The girls are very supportive and very helpful. I had a good time tonight."  

Nicole Dao (Bethesda, MD/The Academy of Holy Cross) and Dominique Drust (Coto de Caza, CA/Santa Margarita Catholic) each led the way with 13 assists for the Violets. Lindsey Hirano (South Pasadena, CA/South Pasadena) posted a team-high 10 digs, while adding seven assists.

Ella Weider (Los Gatos, CA/Los Gatos) totaled seven kills in her NYU debut, while seniors Emily Kleck (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) (6 kills, 4 digs, 3 block assists) and Abby Ausmus (San Diego, CA/La Jolla Country Day School) (4 kills, 7 digs, 2 block assists) also contributed at the net.

"It was like there was no gap, no loss of time," said Ausmus, who is serving as the team's lone captain this season. "We came back and were still really good. We brought a lot of energy. The seniors feel a special responsibility to show the freshmen and sophomores who are experiencing this for the first time what this can be like as we distance ourselves from the pandemic. I'm excited to be a leader and to be supportive of everyone as we set a positive tone and create a new culture."

The Violets return to action this weekend when they compete at the DeSales University Invite. NYU will face Washington College (MD) on Friday, September 3, at 5 pm.