The NYU women’s volleyball team split two matches over the weekend at a tri-match competition between Baruch College and host Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. They were beaten 3-1 in a grueling match to start the day by the Richard Stockton Ospreys that is now an impressive 25-4. After suffering their fifth straight loss, the Violets recovered to defeat Baruch in dominant fashion 3-0, salvaging a day that could have been especially demoralizing after coming into the tri-match on a four-game skid. The 1-1 day takes their record to 18-13.

Sophomore outside hitter Josie Luck and sophomore libero MaTia Hughes were the highlights of the first game. Luck put away 10  kills, reaching double digits for just the third time this season. Hughes handed out 31 assists and added 11 digs, 10 less than team-leading freshman Brooke Tannahill. Their efforts were not enough, though, as Richard Stockton ended up outlasting the Violets in the match.

It would have been easy for the Violets to mail it in and drop their sixth straight game, but they came out strong and dismantled a struggling Baruch College squad that is now 10-15 on the season. After looking downright exhausted in their previous few losses, it was promising to see the team come out with a win in a game it was favored to win. It was Luck again who led the way, along with freshman outside hitter Shelby Ross, putting away nine kills. Luck also added a modest 12 digs. Freshman setter Celine Dias chipped in 25 assists, and senior middle blocker Allie Williams led both teams with three service aces. NYU took all three sets by a combined 28 points in a blowout.

As the Violets approach the last few matches of the season, they certainly have some positives to build on. In their last three games, they have lost only to teams with 20 or more wins, including Stevens Institute of Technology and Richard Stockton. The momentum they gain in the New York Region Challenge next weekend could pay dividends for next year’s squad. They will have a full weekend, however. On Halloween night, they square off against Rowan University and Nazareth College at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. The following afternoon they will go head-to-head with Clarkson University at noon and Rochester Institute of Technology at 2 p.m.

A version of this story appeared in the Oct 27 print edition. Email Bobby Wagner at [email protected].