By Joe Pantorno, Assistant Sports Editor
After winning just one set from its first three matches, the Pride volleyball team looked to get off the block and win its first match of the season as it took on Iona.
The Gaels of Iona entered the match looking to improve on their 2-1 season record as they jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first set. It was at this point where Hofstra head coach Kristina Hernandez worked her magic and guided her team back to the comeback trail. “We’re trying to get them to not focus on the score as a whole and just focus on getting the next point,” Hernandez said. “That way we can get back in it if we fall behind.”
The Pride began to battle back and were finally able to catch the Gaels at 18 apiece. Points were traded back and forth and with the score tied at 24, consecutive kills by senior setter Rachel August and graduate outside hitter Marina Markovic gave Hofstra the first set.
The second set saw the emergence of sophomore middle blocker Carolyn Jenkins and redshirt freshman right side hitter Nikki Kinnier as they proved to be too much for Iona up front. Jenkins had four kills while Kinnier smashed six kills of her own as they led the Pride to a second set victory, 25-15. “Nikki and Carolyn did a great job, they stepped up for us,” Hernandez said after the game.
The third set saw more of the same from Kinnier, Jenkins and freshman outside hitter Shelby Young as Hofstra was able to pull out a close one, taking the set 25-21 and earning its first win of the season. “It feels really great to get that first win,” said Hernandez. “I think they [the girls] feel relieved finally and just move on now.”
The Pride moved on to the Thunder Invitational Tournament at Marshall University to take on the Thundering Herd, Cleveland State University and High Point University. After dropping the first two matches to Marshall and Cleveland State, the Pride took the last match against High Point 3-2. Hofstra’s record dropped to 2-5 after the trip.