University of New Hampshire Athletics
University of New Hampshire
13-11, 6-1AE
University of Maryland Baltimore County
9-11, 3-4AE
Volleyball Silences UMBC in Three Sets
10/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire swept visiting University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 3-0, Friday evening at Lundholm Gymnasium. The victory came by set scores of 25-17, 25-20 and 25-16.
Recording their sixth sweep of the season and fourth win in a row, the Wildcats improve to 13-11 overall and 6-1 in America East. The Retrievers drop to 9-11, 3-4.
New Hampshire's defense racked up 74 digs and 10 blocks to hold UMBC to a .061 attack percentage.
Junior outside hitter Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga.) registered her seventh double-double of the season on 11 kills and 14 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Demi Muses (Orangevale, Calif.) turned in a balanced effort of nine kills, 11 digs and seven blocks. Juniors Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio) and Cassidy Croci (Sylvania, Ohio) notched kill totals of nine and eight respectively.
Reigning America East Setter of the Week Taylor Dunklau (Mukwonago, Wis.) quarterbacked the offense with 32 assists. Junior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) paced the backline, tallying 28 digs.
The Wildcats opened the contest behind 4-1, but stormed back to tie the set at the six, seven and eight marks. UNH gained control of the frame with a 5-2 run to lead 13-10 as UMBC opted to use its first timeout. The Wildcats continued their run with five more points to extend the advantage to 18-10 to pull within five points. The Retrievers countered, rattling of a kill followed by a pair of service aces. However, the 'Cats staved off the rally and traded points for the remainder of the stanza to claim the first set.
In the second set, UNH jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. However, UMBC managed to even the stanza at the four, six and seven marks. The Retrievers surged ahead with a 5-2 run to own a 12-9 edge, forcing the 'Cats to burn their first timeout. Coming out of the stoppage, UNH reversed the momentum with an 8-1 blast to lead 17-13. After a UMBC breather, the two sides exchanged blows as the score rose to 24-17 in favor of the home team. UMBC did not relinquish late as it fought back to narrow UNH's lead down to 24-20. Forrest quelled the rally with a kill to up UNH's match lead to 2-0 entering intermission.
As UNH aimed for the sweep, the two sides came out in the eliminating frame tied at 10 apiece. A trio of kills gave UNH a 13-10 edge to force UMBC to use a timeout. Not phased by the visiting team huddle, the Wildcats stretched their lead to 21-15 late the set. Despite a second timeout by the Retrievers, the Wildcats capped of the match with a 4-1 run to clinch their fourth consecutive win.
UNH hits the road again, visiting the University at Albany (Oct. 31; 7 p.m.) and Binghamton University (Nov. 2; 1 p.m.) to start a three-game road swing. The Wildcats end the regular season at home to clash with Stony Brook University (Nov. 13; 7 p.m.) and the University of Hartford (Nov. 14; 7 p.m.) for Senior Day.
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.
