The Hofstra University volleyball team is back in the win column after a three-set sweep – 25-19, 25-23 and 25-22 – over the Campbell University Camels on Saturday, Oct. 28. The Pride improved to 17-6 on the season and 7-6 in conference play. Campbell drops to 12-11 overall with a 9-4 mark in conference play.

“It’s a nice way to come back, to stay strong,” said Hofstra head coach Emily Mansur. “Especially after last week when we were up 2-0 and we were not able to finish, so this is really good for them, to see what we need in order to win the match.”

The Pride had kills from both Yagmur Cinel and Beatriz Braga, with 11 and 10 kills respectively. Cinel tied with Campbell’s Melody Paige for the match lead in kills with 11. Chiara Cucco led Hofstra with 10 digs on the day, but Campbell’s Mckenna Sciacca led the match with 13.

The first set saw both teams trading large successful runs of play until the Pride put together a 9-3 run to take control of the set at a 24-16. Clara Bal gave the Pride the first set lead with one of her seven kills throughout the contest.

The second set was a closer affair that never saw a lead greater than three points from either team. Despite the tightness of the second set, Hofstra only trailed once after an early 6-6 tie and was otherwise always a point or two ahead of the Camels. The score tied six more times in the second set, adding to the intensity between both squads. Hofstra sealed the set on a deceptive kill from Alves, up 2-0.

The third and final set was another tightly contested battle. This time, Hofstra had to show some resilience when they fell behind 17-13 after a successful challenge from Campbell. The Pride went on a 12-5 run to finish off the win, ending on two kills from Izadora Stedile, which gave her three on the afternoon.

Junior Caroline Wells got her first playing time of the season during the game, where she registered her first career dig.

“She’s a junior, but she just joined us this year,” Mansur explained. “Caroline was on the club team at Hofstra, and she joined our team this year. She works so hard, and she deserves it; she’s a great addition to the team, and she had a great week of practice, and she got a chance to play.”

The Pride play host to Campbell once again on Sunday, Oct. 29, before heading to South Carolina to take on the College of Charleston Cougars.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Matteo Bracco