North Andover, Mass. - The Adelphi University volleyball program played to their strengths Friday evening, in a 3-0 decision over Merrimack College as they held the competition to a negative hitting percentage for the contest.
The Panthers (22-5, 10-2 NE10) used double digit kills in each set, marking the second as their best offensive effort, with a team hitting percentage of .455 and 16 kills. The team was led by both
McKenna Clawson and
Sara Bisbe, who each contributed 10 kills, combining for 11 digs, four service aces and six block assists.
The Warriors (5-18, 3-8 NE10) fell behind early in the opener, at 7-2 but stormed back with five straight points to regain the lead. From there the teams traded points until four unanswered from the Brown and Gold put them back in the driver's seat. Merrimack threatened by coming within two, but three points, all involving
Sara Mandreja handed the decision to the visitors.
Once more, Adelphi came out with an early advantage, but four straight from the home team brought them within one. Bisbe sparked an 8-1 run which was extended with kills from Clawson and
Cara McKenzie down the stretch. With
Katarina Warburton at the line, the visitors closed out a 25-14 second set, their best of the match, as the attack combined for only one error, with
Katie Barry pacing the offense.
The final set played out much like the second, this time with
Courtney Crook coordinating the attack, finishing with six assists for the set. The team combined for 10 kills as the defense forced the Warriors to committ nine errors. For the match, Adelphi held a commanding 15-2 advantage in blocks, despite being outdug by one.
The Panthers will host a non-conference matchup on Monday, October 29 as they welcome Wilmington University to the Center for Recreation and Sport at 7:00 p.m. The team closes out the regular season next weekend with back-to-back home games against Stonehill College and Bentley University.
About Adelphi Athletics
Adelphi University joined the Northeast-10 Conference in the fall of 2009, and in the past nine seasons, has collected 27 regular season conference titles, 29 tournament championships, 41 individual crowns and captured the Northeast-10 Presidents' Cup four times (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017), while winning six NCAA Division II National Championships.
For the latest on Adelphi University Athletics, follow the Panthers at www.aupanthers.com or via social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat.
