Hofstra Volleyball rolled past the University of Delaware on Sunday, Oct. 14, defeating the Blue Hens 3-1 behind set scores of 25-21, 26-28, 25-15 and 26-24. The Pride picked up win number 15 in match three of their four-game road stretch at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware Sunday afternoon.
The first set saw little difference between the two teams until Delaware went on a 6-1 run to take an 18-14 lead, forcing a Pride timeout. Hofstra would respond with a 5-2 run of their own to make it a one-point contest in favor of the Blue Hens. After a Delaware timeout, the Pride would close the door with a 6-1 stretch to take the first set 25-21.
Hofstra took an early 7-2 lead in the second stanza. However, the Blue Hens would charge back to take a 14-13 lead. After several points exchanged, Hofstra had a chance to go up two sets but fell short on the set point and saw Delaware finish with three straight points to tie up the match at one set a piece.
The third set was controlled by Hofstra, fueled by a .312 attack percentage while the defense held the Hens to a .056. The Pride jumped out to a 17-7 lead and sealed the set with a 4-0 run to take the stanza 25-15.
The final standoff between the two teams saw Delaware with a 17-13 advantage until the Pride stormed back with a 7-1 late run to go up by one. Following two points from the Hens, the Pride responded with three straight points to claim victory and the match.
Laura Masciullo led the Pride offense with 16 of the 58 kills from Hofstra, while Aisha Skinner chipped in 12. Michela Rucli had 11 kills of her own and added five blocks to match Doris Bogoje in the defensive category. Maddie Appleton ended with 18 digs and Luisa Sydlik finished with three aces and 41 assists.
Delaware saw 58 kills from their offensive attack with Maria Bellinger posting 20 kills, and Bailey Pearlman and Cailey Bracken each adding another 13. Julia Hayes finished with four blocks for the Blue Hens.
Hofstra and Delaware posted very close numbers to one another. Both teams posted 58 kills, while Hofstra edged out the blocks and ace categories. A bigger disparity was seen in attacking efficiency as Hofstra posted a .242 attack percentage compared to the Blue Hens’ .192. Delaware ended with five more errors than the Pride, allowing Hofstra to take the close sets.
With the loss, Delaware falls to 8-12 and 2-6 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, losing the eighth of their last 10 matches. Delaware will host William & Mary on Friday, Oct. 19.
The Pride have won five of the last six and move to 15-6 (5-2 CAA). Hofstra has won three straight against Delaware and is now 51-19 all-time against the Hens.
Hofstra will end their four-match road trip when they travel to Northeastern on Wednesday, Oct 17.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
