NORTH ANDOVER, MA– Down 2-0, the Merrimack College women's volleyball team remained persistent, winning the next three sets in a thrilling five set match up against the Marist University Red Foxes on Saturday.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 3, Marist: 2
Records: Merrimack (7-19, 6-9), Marist (3-22, 3-12)
How It Happened
Both teams were neck and neck for the first 10 points of the match. The Warriors hammered two service aces early on to keep the score tight. The Red Foxes were finally able to extend their lead by securing five straight points to take a 14-10 advantage. The Warriors would attempt to regroup after a timeout but unfortunately couldn't find their footing. The Red Foxes would win the first set 25-18 and would follow it up with a second set win, 25-15.
Sophia DeBonis set the wheels in motion for the Warriors with a service ace followed by three consecutive points to secure a 4-0 lead. The Warriors then doubled their lead over the Red Foxes behind the strength of
Hannah Webber and
Morgan Thurlow. The Red Foxes had three service aces that closed the gap to a tied game but the Warriors held firm notching five kills to regain the lead.
Mckenna Shotwell delivered the final kill of the set, to win 25-22. The Warriors carried that energy into the fourth set, as they secured an early 8-4 advantage over the Red Foxes. Merrimack held a stable margin over Marist posting six straight points to make it 18-9.
Mckenna Shotwell had back-to-back service aces and
Julz Carlat hammered three kills late in the third to win the fourth set 25-15.
Tied 2-2, the Warriors looked to the fifth set for their final victory of the day but from the outset the Red Foxes would command a 7-2 lead. After the Warriors final timeout, the energy began to shift in Hammel. The Warriors regained control of the match, scoring seven straight points as the crowd erupted after each one, closing the gap and gaining a 14-2 lead over the Red Foxes.
Mckenna Shotwell had the final words of the night, delivering the game ending-kill to secure a 15-13 victory.
Stats and Facts
Up Next
The Warriors prepare for a quick turnaround against Siena College tomorrow at 1:00 PM in Hammel Court. Merrimack will honor three members of the Class of 2025 prior to the start.
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