BOSTON, Ma.-Impressive attacking and lockdown blocking led to a three-set sweep for the Villanova Wildcats. Villanova improves to 5-3 while Bryant falls to 5-5.
"Every win is a big win so we're excited to have gotten this one this morning," Villanova Volleyball Head Coach
Josh Steinbach said. "We look like we may be starting to figure some blocking things out."
The Wildcats began to pull away in the first set when they went on a 5-0 run to lead 13-7. The Bulldogs battled back and later climbed within two to cut the deficit to 16-14. Villanova responded with a 4-0 run to create some breathing room and never relinquished the lead for a 25-18 first set win.
Riley Homer collected six kills in the first set and the team recorded a .375 hitting percentage.
Bryant responded in the second set and stayed within striking distance of the Wildcats. Trailing 17-16, the Wildcats went on a 5-0 run to lead ahead 21-17. Bryant was able to score on the next set but Villanova shut them down from that point on with a 4-0 run to win the second set, 25-18. Villanova continued their consistency on the attack with a .333 hitting percentage in the second set.
The third set was a back-and-forth affair for both teams. Down but not out, the Bulldogs continued to challenge Villanova and cut a 16-8 lead to a miniscule 22-21 lead. Despite Bryant's comeback, the Wildcats finished the match with three unanswered points for a 25-21 set win and the match.
Homer led the Wildcats with 10 kills and five blocks.
Kiera Booth recorded a season-high nine kills and denied four blocks in the win.
"Kiera and Riley have been playing well and I'm excited about their learning curves," Steinbach said.
Inside The Box Score
- Rose Crist recorded a season-high eight kills in the win.
- Taryn Whittingham led the Wildcats with 12 digs, a season-high for the sophomore.
- Freshman Ozzie Ozonoh recorded three kills and three blocks in her first match as a Wildcat.
The Wildcats take on Harvard in the final match of the Northeastern Tournament at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
