By Jeffrey Werner - STAFF WRITER The Hofstra Pride volleyball team took advantage of a team at the bottom of the conference as they swept the Northeastern Huskies, three sets to none.
The Pride traveled up to Boston to face the Huskies earlier in the season. Hofstra was able to take that match three sets to two, making this victory against Northeastern a season sweep. According to head coach Emily Mansur, a sweep against any Colonial Athletic Association opponent is huge.
“Any team in the CAA is a competitive team. It’s a great thing, especially as we go forward. Any momentum is important as we get closer to the CAA tournament.”
The first set saw Hofstra dominate Northeastern as they took the first set 25-8. The Huskies put up more of a fight in the second set, eventually getting a 22-17 lead before the Pride came from behind to take the second set 25-23. The third set wasn’t as dominating for Hofstra, but they defeated Northeastern 25-17 to sweep the match and the series.
Leading the way was freshmen middle blocker Michela Rucli. Rucli had a great game with nine kills and 14 points. As the match went on, Rucli got better, starting with two kills in the first set, then totaling three kills in the second set, and finally four kills in set three.
Not far behind her were Veronika Kostova and Leticia Valente, whom recorded eight kills. Valente totaled 11.5 points and Valente recorded 9.5 points.
Also putting up an amazing display was Brianna Montgomery. Montgomery totaled seven kills while recording three digs and two service aces, all adding up to a ten-point match. This was all while she played on the left side of the court instead of the right side where Montgomery normally plays.
“We were trying something else,” Mansur explained. “It was the first time this year she was playing on the left side. We really need to have her take a lot of flanks to see how she does and how comfortable she is for the near future.”
With this win, the Pride improves to 8-3 in the CAA, 17-9 overall. Hofstra will begin the second half of a six-game homestand on Friday, November 6th at 7 pm against the Towson Tigers, who are currently second in the CAA with a 10-3 record. Mansur says the remaining games on Hofstra’s schedule will be very important.
“At home, away, any match is important for us right now. We need to get the highest seed we can so we need to work hard together.”