The Elon University volleyball team won its second game in a row Tuesday, sweeping North Carolina A&T State University 3-0 (25-8, 25-20, 25-13). The win comes after the Phoenix's first in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, when the Phoenix defeated the College of William & Mary Saturday.
"Our offense keeps getting better and better," said head coach Mary Tendler. "Our ball control in that first set was really good — we were able to set a lot of options."
The Phoenix started the first set strong, jumping off to a 5-1 lead and leading by as many as nine early on. The Aggies were unable to respond, and Elon won the first set, 25-8, with 11 kills.
"We started off in the second set a little bit slower," said senior middle blocker Catherine Head. "The first set and the third set we came out and were like, 'Alright, it's game time, it's ready to go.'"
The Aggies found some offensive momentum at the start of the second set, leading 7-1 and forcing an Elon timeout. Elon fought their way back into the game, tying it 8-8 and taking the lead on a handling error by A&T. The Aggies responded by taking a three point lead, 15-12, as the Phoenix struggled with both serving and attack errors. Elon rebounded once again, retaking the lead and winning the set 25-20.
Elon's momentum carried into the third set, as the Phoenix led 9-4 early. Elon led by 10 near the end of the set. The Phoenix held the lead for the rest of the set, completing the sweep with a 25-13 victory.
"We played scrappy defense," said sophomore outside hitter Sydney Busa. "We may not have been getting the blocks, but we had good digs and good touches off the blocks, and we had good pursuit. We wouldn't let a ball drop without [making an] effort tonight."
Busa led the Phoenix with 11 kills and 12 digs. Head finished the match with 10 kills, and junior middle blocker Ally Karle and freshman outside hitter Kam Terry each had six kills. Sophomore setter Sydel Curry ended the match with 35 assists and 12 digs, and freshman defensive specialist Maddie Jaudon had 11 digs.
The victory propels the Phoenix to 5-17 overall, as the Aggies fall to 4-11 on the season. Elon resumes CAA play at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 to take on Towson University.