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| Rachael Goss (#1) had 12 kills (and 11 digs) |
From our friends at GW Athletics Communications...
Four Players Post Double-Digit Kills as Colonials Sweep Weekend Competition
Four players recorded double-digit kills led by junior Kelsey Newman's 16-kill effort as the George Washington volleyball team defeated Duquesne, 3-1, on Saturday night at the Charles E. Smith Center. Set scores were 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 25-14.
GW (13-11, 8-2 A-10) has now won three matches in a row and eight of its last nine following Saturday's victory. Additionally, the Colonials improved their record at Smith Center to 26-8 in three seasons under head coach Amanda Ault.
The Colonials led for the majority of the opening frame as they built a 14-8 advantage midway through the set. Duquesne battled back using a 12-6 run to tie the score at 20-20, but the Colonials regained the momentum and used three straight kills to take a 23-20 lead before prevailing 25-22.
GW opened the second set on a 5-2 run before Duquesne responded to tie the frame at 8-8. From there, the Colonials unleashed a furious 17-8 run, featuring brilliant service runs by seniors Rachael Goss and Jamie Armstrong, on the way to a 25-18 win and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, Duquesne committed just four attack errors and registered 16 kills as the Dukes avoided the sweep with a 25-21 victory.
The Colonials used another substantial run in the fourth set to clinch the 3-1 victory with a 25-14 win. With the match tied at 5-5, the Colonials scored three straight points to take an 8-5 lead which eventually evolved into a 20-8 run to knock off Duquesne with a 25-14 victory and earn the season split against the Dukes.
Newman hit .233 on the evening with 16 kills against six errors and added seven digs and one block assist.
The trio of Goss, junior Landon Garvik and freshman Chidima Osuchkwu each posted 12 kills as the Colonials established a balanced attack to keep the Dukes on their heels.
Goss added 11 digs for her second straight double-double while Osuchukwu posted a match-best seven blocks (three solo, four assist) and Garvik added six rejections (one solo, five assist).
Freshman Emily Clemens registered her eighth double-double of the year with 45 assists and 12 digs, in addition to two block assists.
The Colonials were efficient in the serving game, totaling five service aces. Armstrong and senior Jessica Burr each recorded a pair while sophomore Maddy Doyle added one in addition to her match-high 16 digs.
The Colonials conclude their home schedule next weekend with a pair of matches. On Friday, GW hosts Fordham in a special 4:00 p.m. matinee ahead of the men's basketball season opener. On Sunday, GW welcomes Rhode Island for Senior Day at 1:00 p.m.
Click here for yesterday's box score.
