University of New Hampshire Athletics
University of New Hampshire
14-11, 7-1AE
University at Albany
6-14, 4-4AE
Four Double-Doubles Lead Volleyball to a Four-Set Win Over UAlbany
10/31/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The University of New Hampshire volleyball team extended its winning streak to five matches on the strength of four double-double performances, topping the University at Albany in four sets at University Gymnasium on Friday night. The victory came by set scores of 15-25, 25-23, 25-21 and 25-17.
Preserving its first place standing in the America East tilt, New Hampshire improves to a record of 14-11 overall and 7-1 in conference play. UAlbany slips to 6-14, 4-4. The Wildcats post their first win at University Gymnasium since Oct. 5, 2007.
The win was a team effort for UNH as five different players recorded double-digit kills along with four double-doubles. Senior setter Taylor Dunklau's (Mukwonago, Wis.) 49 assists complimented by 13 digs helped New Hampshire implement a balanced attack. Sophomore middle blocker Demi Muses (Orangevale, Calif.) added 12 kills and 11 digs while junior outside hitter Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga.) tallied 10 kills and 15 digs. Classmate Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio) achieved her first-ever double-double on 12 kills and 10 digs. Junior middle blocker Cassidy Croci (Sylvania, Ohio) and junior right side hitter Brenna Buckwalter (Evergreen, Colo.) eclipsed double figures in kills with 14 and 10 respectively.
Anchoring the defense, junior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) scooped up 27 digs.
UAlbany jumped out to an 8-5 lead to begin the match. Following a UNH timeout, the Wildcats grabbed three of the next four exchanges to own a 9-8 edge. However, the Great Danes rattled off a pair of lengthy runs to lead 23-9 late in the stanza. The Wildcats did not fade away as the away team retaliated with a 6-1 surge, but the Great Danes captured set point to take the first frame.
New Hampshire fell behind again out of the chute in the second set, 6-2. The 'Cats clawed back to level the frame at 10 apiece, but a trio of points from the Great Danes forced a breather for UNH. New Hampshire managed to tie the set again as part of seven knotted scores in the frame, raising the score to the 23 mark. Brinkman landed a kill to force set point on the Great Danes. Muses closed out the stanza for UNH with a kill to even the match at one game apiece.
The two squads battled with a lot of back-and-forth action to start the third frame. A 3-1 spurt by the Wildcats broke the deadlock at 10-10 as New Hampshire carved out a 13-11 advantage. Not phased by the UAlbany timeout, the 'Cats stretched their lead to 17-12 to force a second timeout by the home team. The Great Danes attempted to rally in the set, narrowing the Wildcats' advantage to 22-19, but New Hampshire quelled the surge to take set three.
The Wildcats pounced on the Great Danes to open in the decisive set, 9-4. UAlbany stormed back with three straight points to cut UNH's lead down to a pair of points. However, New Hampshire engineered a 6-0 run to take a 15-7 lead midway through the stanza. UNH padded its lead to 12 and led 22-10 in search of the four-set win. The Great Danes cut down the Wildcats' lead down to seven at 24-17 as New Hampshire opted to use a timeout. UNH stopped the rally to seal the deal on a block by Brinkman and Buckwalter to clinch the match.
UNH defends its one-match lead in America East, visiting second place Binghamton University on Sunday, Nov. 2 (1 p.m.). The 'Cats close out the regular season at home against Stony Brook University (Nov. 13; 7 p.m.) and the University of Hartford (Nov. 14; 7 p.m.) for Senior Day.
Tune into 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.
