Adelphi University Athletics

Rockville Centre, N.Y. - After finding themselves down two sets, the Adelphi University volleyball team secured the win over Molloy University after winning three straight sets on Wednesday evening in non-conference action. 

Series History: 

• Adelphi stands at 21-4 all-time against the Lions, including wins in the last four matchups. Three of the four most-recent wins were five-set matches. The Panthers are 6-2 since 2002 when the match goes to a fifth set. 
• When playing on their home court, the Panthers are 10-1 against the Lions, with a 9-4 record inside the Den. 

Highlights: 

• Mackenzie Casey set a new career-high in both kills and block assists, accounting for 17 and six, respectively. Her six block assists aided the Panther's 9-4 edge in blocks over Molloy. She also boasted a .586 hitting percentage, never committing an error through five-sets. 
• Melana Bigelow and Madeleine Chaapel also finished in double-figure kills, collecting 14 and 12, while combing for 15 digs. 
• Isabella Assaley orchestrated the offense with 31 assists as teammate Ana Carolina Westerich added 11. 
• Defensively, four players reached double-digit digs, led by Ada Isik's 16.  

How It Happened:

• After falling behind 0-2 in the match the Panthers seized control in the third set, opening with a 3-0 run before Katie Waterman delivered three consecutive service aces to help build a commanding 9-1 advantage. Adelphi cruised to a 25-15 win to get back into the non-conference tilt.
• Adelphi carried that momentum into the fourth, turning a 6-3 deficit into an 11-6 lead behind a pivotal stretch from Reese Brunken, who contributed two service aces during the run. The visitors continued to pull away, closing out the set, 25-11, to force a decisive fifth.
• The Brown and Gold opened the fourth set with a 6-3 deficit but responded with a dominant run to take control, ultimately holding the hosts to 11 points in the frame.
• In the deciding fifth set, Adelphi broke away from a 4-4 tie with a crucial 4-1 stretch, highlighted by kills from Bigelow and Waterman and two consecutive finishes by Maya Meyers. The Panthers built a 10-5 cushion and held on for the 15-9 victory.

Up Next: 

• Adelphi returns to conference action on Saturday, Oct. 17 when they travel up to Saint Anselm College for a 1:00 p.m. meeting.