NYU women’s volleyball started the season 3-0 after winning the NYU Labor Day Invitational at the Coles Sports and Recreation Center on Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31.
The Violets swept a doubleheader on Friday against Montclair State University and Spalding University with scores of 3-0 and 3-1, respectively. The team emerged victorious in their home tournament after defeating the State University of New York at Geneseo in straight sets on Saturday by a score of 3-0.
NYU dropped only one set during the entire tournament to Spalding University (9-1), in an impressive showing to begin the 2013 season.
Violets throughout the roster contributed to the victorious start. Freshman libero MaTia Hughes led the team in digs for the tournament with 42, including a whopping 17 against Montclair State. Junior captain and outside hitter Alexandria Mao gave glowing reviews of all the incoming freshmen, including Hughes.
“The new girls on our team have adjusted flawlessly,” Mao said. “With the amount of depth we have, we’re about to have an awesome season.”
Mao turned in a stellar performance of her own, filling in all the stat columns. She registered a team high of 38 kills along with 30 digs and four service aces. She racked up a solid 3.8 kills per set.
Along with sophomore middle blocker Nicole Frias, who registered 26 kills and three service aces for the tournament, Mao earned All-Invitational team honors.
The Violets now look ahead to the remainder of their season, which runs until the middle of November. Mao is not underestimating what such a strong start could mean for the Violets season.
“Winning the first game and tournament of the season really set the tone for us,” she said.
In the span of a season, there will inevitably be ups and downs. But Mao’s statement speaks to the successful start that the homecourt advantage and win streak facilitated. They will try to maintain their strong play at the Vassar College Invitational, which begins Friday, Sept. 6.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 3 print edition. Chris Marcotrigiano is deputy sports editor. Email him at [email protected].
