From NYU Athletics
Last season, the New York University women's volleyball team lost in the regional finals of the NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship tournament. This season, the squad is forging ahead to the Elite Eight.
Facing Williams College in the Regional Finals on Saturday at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, the Violets dropped the first set 25-22, but swept the next three (25-16, 25-17, 25-16) to advance to the Elite Eight. It will be NYU's deepest appearance in the tournament since also reaching the Elite Eight in 2010.
The UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, PA, will be the site of the final three rounds and are being held Wednesday-Saturday, November 16-19.
"Today was such a special moment for our volleyball program," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "This is the result of hard work and being such a unified group. They truly love playing with and for each other. Our program has so many amazing players since I've been here that are choosing NYU because of opportunities likes this."
Things didn't begin well for the Violets on Saturday as Williams scored the first three points of the opening set. NYU took its only lead at 12-11. But, following a 13-13 tie, the Ephs scored the next four points and led the rest of the way.
Things turned quickly in the second set, as the Violets raced out to a 5-1 lead and never got caught.
The pivotal third set was tied 6-6. But, NYU scored the next two points and four of the next five to take a lead they would never relinquish.
Despite trailing 4-1 early in the final set, the Violets kept their eyes on the prize. They scored the next four points to take the lead. The teams exchanged points for a while. But, after a 12-12 deadlock, the Violets scored the next three points. It was a lead they held onto as the end line approached. Up 22-16, NYU scored the final three points and secured their spot among the elite.
"It is extremely exciting to move forward as a team and make history again with a new group of teammates," said senior Gabriella Spaethling. "Our team chemistry and ability to lean on one another has allowed us to be so successful this year and will continue to allow us to be successful as far as we go. I wouldn't want to go to Pittsburgh or the Elite Eight with any other group of people!"
Spaethling was one of three Violets to finish with double-digit kills. She had 12, Haley Holz had a team-high 19 and Olivia Lewandowski had 16.
"It is so exciting to see how far the program has come since my freshman year," said Holz, another senior. "Today's win was truly a full team effort and it was such a fun match to play in. I'm so proud and can't wait to see what we do next."
Lindsey Hirano (19) and Ava Launsbach (10) each had double-digit digs, while Launsbach (23) and Dominique Drust (22) recorded 20+ assists.
"It's been a great ride," Brown concluded. "And now we look forward to traveling to Pittsburgh next week for the opportunity to compete in the Elite Eight."