University of New Hampshire Athletics
University of New Hampshire
18-11, 11-1AE
University of Hartford
16-13, 4-7AE
Volleyball Sweeps Hartford on Senior Day
11/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
DURHAM, N.H. -- For the first time since 2002, the University of New Hampshire volleyball team will end the regular season with just one conference loss after a three-set victory over the University of Hartford on Friday night at Lundholm Gymnasium for Senior Day.
The ninth sweep of the season for UNH came by set scores of 25-19, 25-13 and 25-15. The Wildcats improve to 18-11 overall and 11-1 in America East play while the Hawks fall to 16-13, 4-7.
New Hampshire wins its ninth consecutive decision, matching its longest unbeaten streak from last season.
Before the start of the match, three seniors were honored on the court in a pregame ceremony. Middle blocker Delaney Dameron (Alpharetta, Ga.), setter Taylor Dunklau (Mukwonago, Wis.) and defensive specialist Katie Sattora (Avon, N.Y.) were recognized for their dedication and performance to the UNH volleyball program.
Junior outside hitter Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio) led the way for the Wildcats with 10 kills and seven digs. Sophomore middle blocker Demi Muses (Orangevale, Calif.) recorded nine kills, five blocks, four digs and two aces. Junior right side hitter Brenna Buckwalter (Evergreen, Colo.) added nine kills while classmate and right side hitter Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga.) tallied seven kills and 10 digs.
Dunklau quarterbacked the offense to hit .337, dishing out 38 assists while pitching in four digs and a service ace.
Junior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) anchored the backline with 18 digs.
Neither team budged in the early goings of the match as the score stood at 10-10. The Hawks pulled ahead on a 4-1 run to lead 14-11, midway through the frame. Following a New Hampshire timeout, the 'Cats engineered an 11-1 surge to reclaim the lead at 23-16. A Dunklau kill followed by a Hartford attack error gave UNH the first-set win, 25-19.
The Hawks jumped out to a 4-1 edge to begin the second set, but the 'Cats evened the score at the six and seven marks. New Hampshire sparked ahead at 7-7 and never looked back, hitting .520 in the stanza bolstered by 14 kills, four aces and two blocks. Buckwalter and Muses provided five kills each in the frame as UNH entered intermission with a 2-0 match lead.
Looking for the straight set win, the Wildcats came out in the third frame with a quick 9-5 advantage. The two sides traded blows as the score rose to 14-10. New Hampshire extended its lead to nine, rattling off five consecutive points to lead 19-10 late in the stanza. UNH kept a minimum six-point advantage for the rest of the set, clinching the third set and the three-set victory.
Up next, UNH remains at Lundholm Gymnasium as it will host the 2014 America East Championships, where it has earned the No. 1 seed. The Wildcats will await their opponent in the four-team conference tournament, which begins Friday, Nov. 21. The championship match will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
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.
