Volleyball Rallies to Outlast Pace, 3-2
Box Score
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 22, 2013) - After falling behind two sets to one (25-21, 22-25, 21-25), the LIU Post volleyball team turned the tide, and took the remaining two sets (25-19, 15-9), outlasting Pace, 3-2, Tuesday at the Pratt Recreation Center in Brookville, N.Y.
With the win, the Pioneers improved to 17-5, while Pace fell to 4-18.
The first set was almost evenly matched with the Pioneers tallying 14 kills to the Setters' 13. The Pioneers gained the 25-21 advantage on two straight points, first a kill by freshman Analise Austin (Honolulu, Hawaii) followed by a service ace from sophomore libero Rachel Ringor (Honolulu, Hawaii). Sophomore middle hitter Melissa Hansen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the way in the set with four kills on a .429 hitting clip.
The second set had a similar outcome, just with Pace taking the win, 25-22. LIU Post led 6-1 early, but the Setters fought back, putting together a late run of 14-3 to take a 24-19 lead. The Pioneers registered three straight points to rally, but it was not enough, as a Pioneer attack error secured the win for the visitors. Hansen once again led, this time with five kills in the set.
Another hard-fought set followed with the two squads battling neck and neck until the end. The Setters put together two straight points on a Brittani Muller kill and a LIU Post attack error to grab the win and go up two sets to one. Austin and freshman outside hitter Shelby McCool (Eugene, Ore.), along with the Setters' Ashley DiFulvio, tallied four kills apiece.
The green and gold tied the score at 2-up with a 25-19 win in the fourth set. McCool pu down the set-deciding kill with the helper from junior Lulu Centro (Rome, Italy). The final kill from McCool was her fifth on the match to lead both sides.
Jumping out to a 9-3 lead in the fifth and final set, LIU Post never looked back, as a kill by Austin clinched the 15-9 victory and a 3-2 match win. Austin had four kills in the final stanza, while Hansen chipped in with three kills of her own.
On the night, Hansen finished with 15 kills, while McCool and Austin each registered a double-double. It marked McCool's fifth double-double of the season, as she totaled 15 kills and 13 assists. Austin set new season-highs with her first ever double-double, tallying 13 kills and 17 digs. Centro tossed up 52 assists, while Ringor led the way with 20 digs.
The Pioneers will hit the road next, as they take on Daemen on Friday (Oct. 25). First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Amherst, N.Y.