WASHINGTON - In a semifinal rematch of last year's Patriot League Championship game, the top-seed American University volleyball team had to fight all the way through to ultimately defeat fourth-seeded Navy, 3-1. The Eagles (23-7) lost the first set 25-19 before winning the next three 25-23, 27-25 and 25-19. The Midshipmen (17-12) made big runs late in the second and third sets to keep things interesting.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Eagles got some monster performances out of freshman Zeynep Uzen, junior Helena Elbaek and senior Jeanne Westney.
• Uzen, the PL Rookie of the Year and an All-PL First Team honoree, added 13 digs to 13 kills for a double-double while also serving up three aces.
• An All-Patriot League selection for a third straight year, Elbaek tied for match-high honors with 15 kills and hit .371.
• Westney recorded a season-high and match-high seven blocks to go with 10 kills.
• AU never found its stride in the opening set, going down early and trailing by 5-6 points most of the way.
• Both teams committed five attack errors in the first, but Navy posted 15 kills to AU's 11 and won the set 25-19.
• The Eagles took command early in the second set with a 6-1 run, and later led 17-10.
• With a 22-16 lead it looked like AU would have no trouble, but Navy had other plans.
• The Midshipmen fought back with a 7-0 run, not only tying the set but taking a 23-22 lead.
• Finally AU recovered thanks to the work of Westney and Elbaek, who each posted a kill and also combined for a block in scoring the last three points and helping the Eagles even the match at 1-1.
• The third set saw history repeat as a 24-19 lead was not safe for AU.
• Navy came back to tie the set at 24-24 and again at 25-25. Finally, Vela McBride (5 kills, .625) took advantage of a long point to catch the Midshipmen off guard and get a kill for set point, which Chiara Bosetti finished off with an ace.
• The Eagles were outstanding in the fourth set with 13 kills and zero errors, out-hitting Navy .500 to .220. Both Uzen and Elbaek tallied four kills apiece. After an Uzen kill for an 18-17 lead, she served during a 6-0 run that put the set and match out of reach for the Mids.

UP NEXT

• AU will face No. 3. Army, 3-1 winners over No. 2 Colgate in the second semifinal. The championship match is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 on the Patriot League Network.

PATRIOT LEAGUE TOURNAMENT TICKETS

Tickets for the Patriot League Tournament are available at the Bender Arena Box Office or online at the link below.

• Patriot League Championship   
  • Adult – General Admission: $8.00
  • Youth (17 & below) / Senior (65+) – General Admission: $5.00
• Group of 10+ (Save 40% off your purchase)   
  • $3 per person
• AU Students (undergraduates, graduates, & Washington College of Law)   
  • Free admission with valid AU ID
• Students from other participating institutions
  • Free admission with valid school ID

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

For inquiries e-mail clawed@american.edu or call 202.885.TIXX (8499).

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