University of New Hampshire Athletics
University of New Hampshire
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Volleyball Stifles UMBC in Three Sets
10/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BALTIMORE -- Before high-powered offensive numbers, the University of New Hampshire volleyball team defeated the University of Maryland, Baltimore Country in three sets at RAC Arena on Sunday afternoon. The sweep came by set scores of 25-19, 25-8 and 25-20.
Notching its fifth three-set win of the season, New Hampshire improves to 10-11 overall and 3-1 in America East play. UMBC falls to 8-9, 2-2. The Wildcats win their sixth consecutive decision against the Retrievers.
A pair of UNH players reached double-digit kills as the team limited itself to just nine attack errors to hit .277. Junior outside hitters Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio) and Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga.) paced the attack with 10 kills apiece. Additionally, Brinkman compiled a .429 attack percentage and a career-high four aces.
Senior setter Taylor Dunklau (Mukwonago, Wis.) was one dig shy of a double-double, posting 27 assists and nine digs. Junior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) anchored the defense with 15 digs. Junior middle blocker Cassidy Croci (Sylvania, Ohio) racked up three blocks.
After each side trading the first six points, UNH jolted ahead with a 7-1 run to lead 10-4 in the opening set. The Wildcats continued their momentum, stretching the lead to 14-5. The Retrievers stormed back with a 10-5 surge to trail 19-15. Following a New Hampshire timeout, the two sides exchanged the next eight points to raise the score to 22-18 as UMBC opted to use a timeout. After a Retriever kill, the Wildcats capped off the set with three consecutive points to win the first set.
New Hampshire showcased its offense in the second stanza, registering a .423 hitting percentage. The Wildcats landed 11 kills on 26 swings with zero errors. Brinkman highlighted the frame with three kills and three aces. The second set started as the two sides knotted the score at 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. The 'Cats jetted ahead at the three mark and never looked back, engineering lengthy runs to capture the second set.
Looking for the sweep, the Wildcats came out in the eliminating stanza with a quick 7-2 advantage. New Hampshire preserved its cushion, leading 13-7 entering the midway point of the frame. The Retrievers narrowed the deficit down with three straight points. However, the 'Cats responded, constructing a four-point run to own a 17-10 advantage as the Retrievers burned a timeout. In an attempt to extend the match, UMBC clawed back with an 8-4 run to trail 22-18. Despite the Retrievers' late rally, the Wildcats concluded the match with three kills to complete the three-set victory.
The Wildcats remain on the road for a pair of conference matches against Stony Brook University (Oct. 18; 4 p.m.) and the University of Hartford (Oct. 19; 1 p.m.). New Hampshire returns to Lundholm Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 24 (7 p.m.) to host the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Check out UNHWildcats.com or follow the Wildcats via social media on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UNHWildcats), Twitter (@UNHWildcats), YouTube (www.youtube.com/UNHAthletics) and Instagram (@UNHWildcats) for the latest news and information on all 20 varsity sports. For additional information on the UNH volleyball team, like the squad on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UNHVolleyball) or follow the 'Cats on Twitter and Instagram at @UNHVOLLEYBALL.
