The Elon University volleyball team went out on a high note to end the season, sweeping Northeastern University 3-0 (29-27, 25-23, 25-17) Sunday. The Phoenix lost to the Huskies Sept. 25 in Boston.
"We wanted to finish the season with a bang," said senior middle blocker Catherine Head. "It's one of those big games to finish the season, to have that momentum, to even have in the spring or next season."
The teams battled back and forth early in the first set. The Huskies held a 13-10 lead before the Phoenix rallied to tie the score, 13-13, after an attack error. The Phoenix took a 24-23 lead after a service ace by junior outside hitter Kayla Agae. Elon won the first set, 29-27.
"It was a good culmination of all of our efforts this season," said sophomore outside hitter Sydney Busa. "There were times when things didn't go our way, but we fought through the whole season. To come out with a really dominating win shows we're a quality team."
The Phoenix carried its first set momentum into the second set, establishing an early 5-0 lead taking a 15-11 lead after a kill by sophomore setter Sydel Curry. The Phoenix led by as many as five before Northeastern closed the gap, pulling within one, 22-21, but Elon took the second set, 25-23.
The Phoenix started strong in the third set, taking a 6-0 lead. Northeastern responded by pulling within three, 10-7, after a setting error by the Phoenix. Elon maintained its lead for the duration of the set, winning it 25-17 to sweep the Huskies, 3-0.
"It was awesome because they've been working so hard in practice and in matches," said head coach Mary Tendler. "We've been close so many times and just not able to finish out, so to finish this out in three sets was the perfect ending."
Busa led the Phoenix statistically in the match, posting nine kills, 14 digs and six blocks. Freshman outside hitter Kam Terry finished with eight kills, and Head contributed six kills and five blocks. Freshman defensive specialist Maddie Jaudon led the team with 17 digs, while sophomore setter Sydel Curry led the team in assists with 25.
The victory gives the Phoenix a final record of 7-23 overall with a 3-13 record in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference play. Northeastern falls to 6-25 overall with a 3-13 CAA record.