University of New Hampshire Athletics
University of New Hampshire
5-8, 0-0AE
Brown University
3-6, 0-0IVY
Volleyball Bounces Back with Four-Set Victory Over Brown to Open Holly Young Invitational
9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire volleyball team went four sets against Brown University at the Holly Young Invitational on Friday night at Lundholm Gymnasium, winning three straight to earn the victory.
The set scores were 15-25, 25-17, 25-16 and 26-24 in the non-conference match. In the first match of the day, New Mexico State University swept the University of Rhode Island in three sets (25-16, 25-21, 25-16).
With their first home win of the season, the Wildcats up their record to 5-8 on the season. The Bears fall to 3-6.
As a team, the Wildcats recorded 50 kills, led by a team-high 14 from Abby Brinkman (Brecksville, Ohio), who also tallied five digs and four blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Demi Muses (Orangevale, Calif.) posted her third double-double of her career with 11 kills and 11 digs. Tori Forrest (Powder Springs, Ga.) also eclipsed double digit kills, slamming down 11 as well. Sophomore setter Keelin Severtson (Delray Beach, Fla.) orchestrated the attack with a career-high 47 assists. Junior defensive specialist Madison Lightfoot (Clarkston, Mich.) anchored the Wildcats' defense, notching a season-high 33 digs and added a service ace.
Brown jumped out to a 10-6 lead to begin the match. Back-to-back kills from the Bears and an attack error from the Wildcats forced UNH to take a timeout, trailing 13-6. Despite three consecutive points from Forrest, the Bears preserved their seven-point advantage at 21-14 late in the frame. Brown followed with a service ace, causing a second huddle by the Wildcats. New Hampshire came out of the stoppage with Forrest's fifth kill of the stanza. However, the Bears claimed set one by winning the next three exchanges.
New Hampshire led throughout the second set, powered by three kills from Brinkman, Forrest and Muses respectively. The Wildcats claimed the edge early to begin the stanza, 10-6 Brown surged back with a four-point run to pull within a point at 11-10 in favor of the home team. UNH halted the rush with a pair of blocks sandwiched by a service ace. After a timeout exerted by the Bears, the away team narrowed the Wildcats' lead down to one again at 15-14. New Hampshire countered with an 8-1 run on the strength of five kills to pave the way for a set two win.
The Wildcats registered their highest attack percentage in the third frame, logging a .333 clip. Trading the first two points to begin the set, UNH zoomed ahead to lead 10-6. A timeout called by the Bears did not phase the Wildcats. New Hampshire continued to hold its advantage and led 23-16 in the stanza. Kills from junior right side hitter Brenna Buckwalter (Evergreen, Colo.) and Brinkman concluded the third set and gave the Wildcats their first match lead of the evening.
The deciding set featured 13 tied scores and four lead changes. Looking to force a fifth frame, the Bears led 9-4 early. UNH countered by rattling off five consecutive points to knot the score at the nine apiece. The two sides exchanged blows as the score rose to 13-13. New Hampshire jetted ahead with a 6-2 run to own a 19-15 edge late in the stanza. However, the Bears erased the deficit quickly with four consecutive points to tie it at the 19 mark. After trading the next eight points, Brown forced set point with a kill. The Wildcats responded with back-to-back kills from Brinkman, bringing forth match point. UNH closed out the contest with a block from Brinkman and Muses to clinch the win.
Holly Young Invitational action resumes tomorrow with Brown and New Mexico State squaring off at 10 a.m. UNH and URI clash in the 12:30 p.m. match. Rhode Island will remain on the court as they compete against Brown at 4:30 p.m. The tournament concludes with the 14th annual "Pack the Arena Night" match featuring New Hampshire and New Mexico State at 7 p.m.
Log onto 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.
