Great defense by AU's Kristyna Lindovska (#14) & Carmen Unzue (#20) |
From our friends at AU Athletics...
Eagles Down William & Mary to Open AU Volleyball Classic
Posting its fourth consecutive straight-set victory, the American University volleyball team defeated William & Mary, 25-12, 25-19, 24-14, on the opening night of the AU Volleyball Classic.
Senior Allison Cappellino finished with a match-high eight kills to lead the Eagles. Senior setter Monika Smidova, who hit .556 for the match, added six kills, 26 assists and a match-high 14 digs, while sophomore Erin Swartz recorded six kills and five blocks.
Senior Allison Cappellino (#11) led all players with 8 kills |
The Eagles (7-4) opened the first set on a 7-1 run and never looked back, hitting .500 with just one attack error.
Senior Monika Smidova (#6) led AU with 26 assists & 14 kills |
William & Mary (5-6) rebounded in the second set, overcoming an early AU lead with a 9-3 run. Although the Tribe pulled ahead briefly, the Eagles used a strong finish to claim the set victory. Meanwhile, American controlled the final set, leading by as many as 12 points before closing out the win.
Senior Kristyna Lindovska scored 8.5 points |
"We started out strong, we attacked right from the start," said American head coach Barry Goldberg. "We had some good serving tonight, which was an important aspect."
AU Head Coach Barry Goldberg |
The Eagles recorded a season-high eight service aces, led by Smidova with three.
Senior Sarah Katz (#8) added 8 digs & 7 points |
"Right now the focus is to have a good morning match against UMBC, a physical team, and then get some rest and come back in the evening for a big match against Virginia," said Goldberg.
William & Mary's Sydney Biniak (#19) registered 3 kills |
The Eagles conclude the AU Volleyball Classic with a pair of matches tomorrow, facing UMBC at 11 AM, while taking on Virginia at 7 PM.
Clawed Z. Eagle celebrates |
Click here for last night's box score.