WASHINGTON – The American University volleyball team lost each set by just two points in a 3-0 loss at the hands of Villanova on Thursday night. The Eagles led by four late in the third frame, but a comeback that forced extra points eventually led to a 28-26 Wildcat victory.
Elise Sterling had 11 kills and four blocks to lead AU with 15 points, while
Carly Sciborski followed with nine kills on a .300 hitting percentage.
Notable
- It's the second match in a row for the senior opposite hitter Sciborski to strike it at a .300 clip or better.
- Salme Hollas totaled 11.5 points on nine kills and 1.5 blocks, adding 14 digs to near a double-double.
- Bella Marrero put in a strong defensive performance, taking on 17 digs.
- Deniz Dakak dished out 39 assists with two service aces.
- Zeck followed Sterling with three blocks.
Set 1
- AU struggled offensively in the first set, hitting just .023.
- The Eagles grabbed an 11-10 lead after scoring four points in a row, but Villanova gained the lead back two points later and never lost it.
- American kept it close, tying the score 22-22 late, but kills by Taylor Lewis and Abby Harrell sealed the set for the Wildcats.
- Freshman Sam McMillan led AU with four kills, and Hollas followed with three. The Eagles had trouble containing Harrell, who had seven kills for Villanova.
Set 2
- The second set was much like the first, with Villanova in control but American staying in striking distance.
- Sterling found a rhythm, putting down five kills, but late execution benefited the Wildcats again. With the score tied 23-23, Campbell McKinnon and Lewis combined for back the winning kills in back-to-back points.
Set 3
- American had a firm grasp on the third set, but the Wildcats mounted an impressive comeback in the late stages to steal the win.
- The Eagles had their largest lead of the match at 18-12, and later led 23-19 after block from Zeck, then 24-21 after a Sciborski kill. Then, Lewis put down three kills in a row for the visitors and the score was knotted at 24.
- Taken into extra points, Villanova eventually closed the set and the match out with kills from Lewis and Taylor.
Up Next
- The Eagles continue this homestand on Saturday, Sept. 12 against Iowa State. First serve is set for 1 p.m. in the Meltzer Center
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