Adelphi University Athletics

Garden City, N.Y.- Behind strong serving and timely blocking, the Adelphi University volleyball team added another victory to the win column on Thursday evening, to move above .500 in 2026. 

Series History: 

• Adelphi is 17-13 all time against Bridgeport following the Thursday sweep, including 12 straight matches dating back to 2015. 

Highlights: 

• Melana Bigelow paced the Panthers offensively with 10 kills, while Madeleine Chaapel added nine kills on an efficient .471 hitting percentage.
• Ana Carolina Westerich orchestrated the Adelphi attack with 23 assists, helping the Panthers finish with 33 kills and a .206 team hitting percentage.
• Ada Isik delivered a standout all-around performance, recording 17 digs and a match-high six service aces to lead Adelphi's defensive and serving efforts.
• The Panthers controlled the net, finishing with seven total blocks compared to Bridgeport's two, with Mackenzie Casey leading the way with three solo blocks and one block assist.

How It Happened: 

• The Panthers used 10 unanswered points with Isik at the service line to jump out to a 15-2 advantage in the opening set. With the Purple Knights deep in the hole, the hosts continued to press on the gas, holding their opponents to a .034 team hitting percentage. 
•  After Adelphi closed out a first set win at 25-14, Bridgeport kept the race close in the early going of the second frame. Chaapel's kill to make it 10-7 sparked an 8-2 run that doubled up the score. 
• Bridgeport staged a minor comeback at the Panthers' set point, rattling off seven straight points to come within five, but Abigail Franco closed the door with a kill. 
• The Purple Knights opened the third set with a 5-1 stretch in their favor but with Isik at the serving line, she poured in a pair of service aces that contributed to a six-point swing to put Adelphi back on top. With the lead, the hosts never looked back, ultimately closing out the set for the win.
• Adelphi limited Bridgeport to a .045 hitting percentage, including a .034 mark in both the first and third sets, while holding advantages in kills (33-25), aces (11-6) and digs (42-39).

Up Next: 

• Adelphi hosts St. Thomas Aquinas College on Saturday, Sept. 19. Match time is scheduled for noon inside the Center for Recreation and Sports.