Coming off of a tough loss at William & Mary last weekend, Elon University’s volleyball team bounced back and defeated Hofstra in straight sets.


From the beginning, the match was tight. The Phoenix was deadlocked with the Pride for the majority of the set. The teams were tied at 20-20 before Elon went on a 5-2 run to take the first set, thanks to some crucial blocking.


The second set started off as the first did, but a 10-0 run by the Phoenix made it 12-4 for Elon. The blocking and energy of the Phoenix shone, and after that run, the energetic Hofstra Pride could only get within three, as Elon cruised to a 25-17 second set win.


The Phoenix finished off the Pride in the third set, as impressive play from both senior setter Haylie Clark and senior outside hitter Kellyn Trowse propelled the team to a 25-14 win and a straight sets victory. 


Head coach Mary Tendler stressed the importance of the team earning this bounce back win. 


“I was just really happy that we played well,” Tendler said. “That was the important thing, that we bounce back from a weekend where we didn’t play as well.”


With a team high 13 kills, senior outside hitter Leah Daniel moved into eighth on Elon’s all-time list with 1,207. Clark posted a double-double with 26 assists and 10 digs. Junior middle blocker Jenn Krzeminksi led the team with seven blocks and junior defensive specialist Alex VanWestrienen had nine digs. 


The straight sets victory improves Elon’s record in the Colonial Athletic Association to 10-5. The team currently sits third in the CAA and has already clinched a berth in the CAA Tournament. The Phoenix hosts Hofstra again on Saturday, Nov. 6 in its final regular season match.


Clark said the team needs the same execution they had this match moving forward.


“We played really well as a team that match,” Clark said. “That’s probably the best we’ve played all year and if we keep playing like that we’re gonna win the CAA.”