The Elon University volleyball team split its final two contests of the Popcorn Classic in Valparaiso, Ind. on Saturday. The Phoenix first lost 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-23) to Kennesaw State University but rebounded with a sweep (25-15, 25-20, 25-13) of Savannah State University in its fourth and final game of the tournament.
Elon got off to a rough start against Kennesaw State. Sophomore outsider hitter Sydney Busa continued her hot streak from Friday's matches, leading the Phoenix in kills (13), tying for the most digs (10) and tallying four blocks. Sophomore setter Sydel Curry was also stellar with 24 assists and nine digs, while freshman Maddie Jaudon added 10 more digs.
The second match of the day went much better for Elon. The Phoenix bested the Tigers in all major categories, including kills, aces, blocks, assists and digs. Busa again came up big for Elon, tallying seven kills, nine digs and three aces. Curry added 25 more assists, and sophomore middler blocker Michelle Klein led the Phoenix with seven blocks.
After finishing with a 1-3 record in the Popcorn Classic, the Phoenix moves to 3-9 on the season. Elon returns to Alumni Gym for a home contest against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro at 7 p.m. Sept. 16.