The Hofstra Pride Volleyball team roared past Elon University, sweeping the Phoenix three sets to none in front of an energetic crowd at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center Friday night, Sept. 28.
Hofstra improved to 12-5 with a 2-1 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record while Elon fell to 8-5 remaining winless in conference play at 0-2.
Set scores were 25-18, 25-14 and 25-8.
“I really like our defensive effort today and how we able to make them a little uncomfortable and take them out of [their] system,” said Emily Mansur, Head Coach of the Hofstra Volleyball program.
Hofstra found themselves up 11-6 early in the first set. Following multiple unsuccessful attempts to gain some momentum by Elon, Hofstra ended up taking the set 25-18 despite only posting a .175 attack percentage.
From then on, the Pride went full throttle in all aspects.
A 6-1 run in the second set expanded an early 10-5 lead into an eventual 25-14 victory of the stanza.
In the third, Hofstra would continue pounding, producing runs of 8-1 and 10-1 to dismantle the Phoenix offense and take the game winning set, 25-8.
The Pride were led by Laura Masciullo’s 10 kills and four blocks.
Aisha Skinner posted nine kills, three blocks and an ace. Michela Rucli finished with eight kills while Luisa Sydlik had 30 assists.
Dubravka Krakovic was a defensive machine for Hofstra recording six blocks.
“[Krakovic] really did a good job,” Mansur said. “[Krakovic] stepped up big time taking the leadership on the position that we need tonight and she had a good match and I’m very happy for her. She worked so hard so it was good to see it on the court today.”
As for Elon, Elizabeth Coil and Kam Terry led the offense with 4 kills each. Natalie Cummings finished with five blocks while Kellyn Trowse had three. Kodi Garcia and Haylie Clark both recorded 10 assists.
Elon had the lead only once the whole match – up 2-1 in the third set.
Hofstra smothered the Phoenix both offensively and defensively, posting 21 more kills and holding Elon to a negative .057 attack percentage, the lowest for an opponent since Delaware State’s negative .059 in 2013.
Elon has now dropped five of their last six matches and will travel to Northeastern University on Sunday.
With the win, Hofstra is now 8-1 all time against Elon. Their strong display was matched by an energetic and just as valiant performance from the crowd.
“Our team feeds from our family that is here because everyone that comes to support us is part of the Hofstra volleyball family and its awesome when the house is full when ready to go,” Mansur said. “Our band did an amazing job and we really appreciate having them here.”
The fans could be in for a historic moment at Hofstra’s next match when they host William & Mary University on Sunday, as with one more win, Coach Mansur will reach 100 wins as a coach.
“We got to continue to improve Hofstra Volleyball and take care of business,” Mansur said.
Taking care of business would achieve the milestone in front of the home crowd for Emily Mansur on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
