SEATTLE, WA – Simon Fraser University women's volleyball team won a three-set victory over Academy of Art this afternoon in the first of two matches today at the GNAC/PACWest Crossover Volleyball Tournament hosted by Seattle University.
In the evening match the Clan lost in straight sets to Azusa Pacific 3-0 (25-28, 28-26, 25-17), leaving the Clan with a preseason record to 4-4.
Against Academy of Art, the Clan opened set number one with kills by the May sisters, Tessa and Devon, and two by
Emma Jennings within the first 5 points, igniting a momentum run by the Clan. SFU stayed strong and held a solid lead thanks to a six point serving run by setter
Tamara Nipp. The team was able to keep a significant gap in points between them and the Academy of Art through to the end of the set at 25-17.
SFU didn't let up in the 2nd set either. With 8 digs by
Alison McKay and another serving run by Nipp, the Clan closed-out the set, 25-20.
Devon May and sophomore
Madison Power brought home 5 and 3 kills, respectively, for the team in the third set to keep the lead. Although the Urban Nights came back strong with three kills each from hitters Melissa Brum, Stine Raben, and Stafua Elisaia, SFU put up big blocks including two from the freshman
Tessa May.
SFU closed out the game 25-19.
Outside hitters Jennings and
Devon May together led the team in kills with 12 each.
Alison McKay and
Jessica Young dominated the back row with 14 digs and 8 digs, respectively, while
Danielle Curtis put up 14 assists.
"With two matches in one day, it was nice to pick up a straight sets win," said head coach
Gina Schmidt. "Before the game we talked about executing on our side of the court and we did that. Our passing allowed all of our hitters to get into a rhythm."
The home opener for the Clan Women's Volleyball is Thursday, September 17th in West Gym. All fans are asked to wear red to support their team towards a win against Seattle Pacific University.
Clan season tickets are on sale now and fans can contact
tickets@sfu.ca to purchase them.
