The Elon University volleyball team lost to the University of Delaware Saturday, 3-2 (26-24, 24-26, 18-25, 25-13, 15-7). The loss marks Elon's 20th of the season and its 10th in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play.
The Phoenix trailed early in the first set, but managed to narrow the score later. Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Busa tied the score at 24-24 with a kill, but the Phoenix fell as the Blue Hens scored consecutive points to win, 26-24. In the second set, the Phoenix established a six-point lead, 18-12, on another kill from Busa. But the Blue Hens went on a 10-4 run to tie the game, 22-22. Elon sealed the win with a kill from junior outside hitter Ebony Scott and an attack error by Delaware, 26-24.
Elon was most dominant in the third set. With the score tied 11-11, the Phoenix went on a 14-7 run to finish the set and win 25-18. The fourth set, though, was the exact opposite, as the Blue Hens took an early lead and never lost it, winning 25-13. Set five saw Delaware's dominance continue: The Blue Hens led 12-3 before taking the set, 15-7, and the match, 3-2.
The Phoenix offense was led by Busa, who tallied 16 kills, 4 blocks, 2 aces and 2 assists. Freshman outside hitter Kam Terry finished with 13 kills and an ace. Junior outside hitter Kayla Agae led the team in digs with 21, and sophomore setter Sydel Curry finished with 47 assists and 12 digs.
The loss drops the Phoenix to 6-20 overall with a 2-10 record in CAA play. The Blue Hens improve to 12-12 with a 4-7 CAA record. Elon's next match is 7 p.m. Nov. 6, when the Phoenix travels to Charleston to take on the College of Charleston.