BLACKSBURG, Va. – Elon University volleyball overcame a late four-point deficit in the fourth set, but Virginia Tech held on for the 3-1 final on Saturday, Aug. 28 at Cassell Coliseum. Leah Daniel finished the Virginia Tech Invitational with 47 kills (4.27/set) and was named Tournament MVP.
"We played our best match of the tournament against Virginia Tech today," said head coach Mary Tendler. "Our blocking was much improved, which allowed us to dig a lot of balls and get transition swings. Leah continues to lead us offensively, but we had many others contribute in positive ways. The goal is to win; we look forward to getting back in the gym and getting better."
Elon 1, Virginia Tech 3 (24-26, 17-25, 25-20, 22-25)
THE RUNDOWN
The Hokies (3-0) built a 9-3 advantage in the opening set, but the Phoenix (1-2) was able to fight its way back. Down 21-16, a block by Natalie Cummins and Kellyn Trowse capped off a 6-1 swing that tied the score at 22-22. With the sides trading a couple of points, Virginia Tech finally put together a pair of kills for the 26-24 decision.
In Set Two, an Alex VanWestrienen ace sparked a 5-0 push as the maroon and gold took control, 10-8. However, the Hokies scored nine unanswered points and Elon was unable to recover. The 25-17 tally gave the home team the 2-0 match lead.
After another slow start saw the Phoenix trailing 6-2 in the third set, Elon outscored its opponent 8-2 to take over at 12-10. Mulitple kills from Lily Emlong and Sydney Love and a solo block by Jenn Krzeminski helped create some separation at 24-17. Virginia Tech put together a quick 3-0 response, but Elon was able to force a fourth set as the Hokies committed a ball handling error.
Elon took over early in Set Four as Haylie Clark assisted Love for consecutive kills. That opened a 5-0 run as the Phoenix went up 10-6. Later, three straight kills from Daniel knotted the score at 15-15, but the Hokies took off with four unanswered points. Love connected on another set from Clark for the 22-22 tie, but the hosts held on for the 25-22 final.
HIGHLIGHTS
Daniel had her best match of the Invitational, pacing Elon's attack with 21 attacks. The Zionsville, Ind. native added 11 digs for her first double-double of the season. Krzeminski followed Daniel with nine kills and led the blocking effort with six. Clark racked up 42 assists while Trowse contributed a pair of aces. Defensively, Emlong registered three blocks while Clark and Trowse ended up with two each. Jordan Gower collected the most digs with 19, and Trowse and VanWestrienen also reached double-digits with 10 each.
NOTES
- Virginia Tech now leads the all-time series 5-0.
- Elon edged the tournament hosts in points (70.0-68.0), blocks (10-5), and digs (63-58).
- Daniel entered the Invitational needing 51 kills to reach 900 for her career. She is now just four away from reaching that mark.
- Clark's 42 assists marks a new career high for the Saint Cloud, Fla. native.
- Emlong also set new career highs with five kills and three blocks.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Leah Daniel, Elon
Sabrina Lancaster, Lehigh
Rhyenne Filisi, Toledo
Taylor Alt, Toledo
Tasha Vipond, Virginia Tech
Cera Powell, Virginia Tech
MVP: Leah Daniel
UP NEXT
Elon is in Durham, N.C. this Tuesday, Aug. 31 as Duke hosts the Phoenix for a 6:30 p.m. meeting in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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Phoenix Falls to Hokies in Four Sets, Daniel Named Tournament MVP - Elon University Athletics
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