After an exhilarating invitational with matchups against some of the nation’s best talent in Duke University and the University of Oregon, the reigning Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) volleyball champions kicked off conference play with a tough loss to the Elon University Phoenix 3-1 at the Schar Center on Friday, Sept. 27.

The Pride took the second set by a score of 27-25 for their lone win among a trio of Phoenix wins by scores of 25-20, 25-20 and 25-18. 

Hofstra started out strong to kick off the match, as Elon could not get out of their own way with several net interference, lift and service fault violations early on. 

The Phoenix would recover, however, overcoming a 20-16 deficit to take a 1-0 advantage in the match. 

In set two, the Pride was on the ropes after losing a six-point lead. Trailing 25-24, the Pride ignited a 3-0 run thanks to huge points from senior Eliska Truneckova and freshman Athina Dimitriadis to win the set for the Pride. 

The Phoenix responded with back to back wins, thanks to the stellar play of Leah Daniel (43 attacks, 14 kills), Nori Thomas (24 attacks, 13 kills) and Kellyn Trowse (36 attacks). 

Over the course of three wins, the resiliency and fighting spirit of the Phoenix stood out above all. The Phoenix erased multiple point deficits throughout the match. 

Despite the loss, the Pride showed glimpses of hope through the magnificent play. Luz Divina Nuñez Sierra was a centering force at the front net and junior Dubravka Krakovic led the Pride with two blocks.

Among other standout statistics, junior Juliana Vaz had a match-high 22 digs while senior Laura Masciullo led the Pride with 15 kills. 

Luisa Sydlik ended with a match-high 35 assists while Ana Martinovic and Krakovic both ended the night with two aces for the Pride.

The Pride still holds a commanding 9-2 lead in the all-time record against Elon and offers plenty of promise for a return to CAA glory this season.

Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics