By Robert Pelaez - SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
The Hofstra Volleyball team searched for their 12th win of the year and third consecutive in conference play when they took on a struggling Elon team Sunday.
Led by junior Veronika Kostova and her 21 kills, the Pride did just that, as they took the second, third, and fifth sets from the Phoenix.
Both teams had four players in double figures in kills, but it was Hofstra’s consistency that helped them eventually wear Elon down and pull out the victory in the last set.
Head coach for the Pride, Emily Mansur, claims her team looked a bit sluggish at times, especially after taking control of the second and third sets and faltering slightly after.
“It could’ve easily gone the other way and they stepped up and we’re now 3-0, and winning two matches in five sets shows a lot for a young team,” Mansur said.
While Kostova tacked on another successful day to her season stats, she wasn’t the only one who put up some notable numbers for Hofstra.
Freshman Nanishka Perez had another solid outing, posting up 11 digs and 15 kills on her way to a 16.5 point outing.
Junior setter Hannah Klemm had a terrific match for the Pride with 55 assists, 14 digs, three kills and two blocks, recording her first career double-double. Sophomores Leticia Valente and Brianna Montgomery also combined for 26 points in the win.
As for Elon, they now drop to 3-12 on the year, as well as 0-2 in CAA action, despite outnumbering Hofstra 20-to-9 in the blocks category. The set scores were 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25 and 15-9 in favor of Hofstra, which played its sixth five-set match of the season, and second consecutive.
The Pride will head down south next weekend as they stay in CAA play when they take on College of Charleston on Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on UNCW on Sunday at 1 p.m.