For the fifth match in a row, NYU women’s volleyball won in three straight sets. The Violets defeated the Polytechnic Institute of NYU in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, bringing their overall record to 11-5.
The score was 25-20 in the first two sets and 25-16 in the final set.
NYU took this match as an opportunity to play freshmen and allow players to play in different positions. Senior Kaylee Schanda, who usually starts at libero, played as a middle blocker and succeeded in racking up seven kills and seven digs.
Senior Alexis Schwartz, who filled in as libero for the first time, recorded a match-high 18 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Vera Shulgina had the most kills of the night with 13.
Freshman middle blocker Nicole Frias continued her success after being named to the All-Tournament team at last week’s Violet Classic and had nine kills. Sophomore middle blocker Allie Williams also had nine kills.
“We played well considering the new lineup changes,” Williams said. “It was a great win to start off the week as we head to play [University Athletic Association] teams this weekend.”
Junior captain Alex Mao had 11 kills and 15 digs during the game, continuing her offensive prowess from the previous games.
“Today I focused on feeling comfortable with the new girls on the court, and I look forward to helping lead the team in doing well,” said Mao, who was recently chosen as Athlete of the Week. “I think that [the game] went really well and that the team really performed well with the new changes.”
In total, NYU had 52 kills to NYU-Poly’s 15. The Violets also recorded a hitting percentage of .345 while NYU-Poly finished with a .108 hitting percentage.
“This was a preparation for UAAs this weekend in Chicago, and I think we’re ready,” Mao said.
The Violets will travel to Chicago next weekend to play Emory University, the University of Chicago and Carnegie Mellon University for their first conference matches of the year.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Sept. 27 print edition. Mary Jane Dumankaya is a deputy sports editor. Email her at [email protected].