Adelphi University Athletics

Philadelphia, PA - On night one of the Wildcat Regional Invitational, the Adelphi University volleyball program used strong serving to secure a three-set win over Holy Family on Thursday. 

Series History: 

• Adelphi (3-6) is 10-2 all-time against Holy Family, dating back to the 2009 season. 
• This marks the eighth time that the Panthers have swept the Tigers in straight sets. 
• In their last meeting, Holy Family earned the reverse sweep to bounce Adelphi from the NCAA tournament last season. 

Highlights: 

• Elena Covic and Melana Bigelow led the Panthers with nine kills apiece, while Covic added two blocks and Bigelow contributed a service ace.
• Ana Carolina Westerich directed the Adelphi offense with 28 assists and added nine digs, while Ada Isik led all Panthers defensively with 13 digs and recorded three service aces.
• Adelphi's 11 service aces proved critical, with Reese Brunken leading the way with four and Isik adding three, as the Panthers improved to 3-6 on the season.

How It Happened:

• The Panthers controlled the opening set from the midway point, using a 9-3 run to build an 18-11 advantage before closing out the frame, 25-19.
• Adelphi battled through a tight second set, overcoming Holy Family's late push to secure a 25-23 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.
• It was the home team that saw a momentum shift in the third set as they held a slight edge throughout the set. A kill from Covic made it 17-all and set the Cats on a three-point swing that put them in the lead for good.
• Bigelow recorded a pair of kills in Adelphi's final three points, as Mackenzie Casey slammed the door on the night with her sixth kill of the contest.

Up Next: 

• The Panthers return for day two of action at the Wildcat Regional Invitational, playing Queens (N.Y.) at 1:00 p.m. before taking on the hosting Wildcats in the nightcap. 
• Video streams will be available for both contests on the CACC Network.